Watch the first trailer for the all new season of Top Gear.
Chris Evans' departure from Top Gear is just the latest twist in the programme's tumultuous history. Here's how it played out.
He was quick to defend himself when detractors labelled him "too shouty and excitable" but just one month on, Top Gear host Chris Evans has decided to walk away from the BBC series.
Posting on Twitter, the radio host announced: "Stepping down from Top Gear. Gave it my best shot but sometimes that's not enough. The team are beyond brilliant, I wish them all the best."
The move marks the latest twist in one of broadcasting's most tumultuous chapters, which began in March last year when Jeremy Clarkson was suspended by the BBC following a "fracas" with his producer.
Jeremy Clarkson's career was left hanging in the balance after he was suspended by the BBC for allegedly throwing a punch at a producer.
The future of Top Gear became uncertain with the programme taken off air and the BBC refusing to comment.
CLARKSON FIRED: MARCH 25, 2015
Jeremy Clarkson was sacked after a BBC investigation found he attacked a Top Gear producer with such force the man had to go to A&E.
The corporation's internal investigation concluded the star, 54, launched an "unprovoked" 30-second physical attack on Oisin Tymon because he was offered a plate of cold cuts instead of steak and chips.
CLARKSON'S CANCER SCARE: APRIL 19, 2015
Two days before assaulting the BBC producer, Jeremy Clarkson was told by a doctor that he might have cancer.
Speaking about the incident that resulted in his sacking from Top Gear, Clarkson said being given the warning was one of the most stressful experiences of his life.
Richard Hammond and James May quit Top Gear in support of Jeremy Clarkson.
HAMMOND AND MAY STICK WITH CLARKSON: APRIL 25, 2015
Richard Hammond ruled out returning to Top Gear, becoming the final presenter to leave the motoring show as he vowed: "I won't quit my mates."
The presenter revealed he would not be returning to the show just hours after former Top Gear producer Andy Wilman launched a scathing attack on "meddling" BBC executives.
CHRIS EVANS ANNOUNCED AS NEW TOP GEAR HOST: MARCH 17, 2015
Radio and TV personality Chris Evans signs a three-year deal with the BBC to lead a new lineup for Top Gear.
Evans said he was thrilled to be hosting "my favourite programme of all time."
TOP GEAR GETS A FRIEND: FEBRUARY 5, 2016
Top Gear signs up former Friends star Matt LeBlanc - the first non-British host of the series.
The full cast of new-look Top Gear in 2016.
TOP GEAR HIRES A WOMAN (WORLD DOESN'T END): FEBRUARY 12, 2016
German racing driver Sabine Schmitz signs on as the first female Top Gear presenter in the programme's 15-year history.
She's joined by Formula 1 commentator Eddie Jordan.
CLARKSON APOLOGISES, FINALLY: FEBRUARY 25, 2016
Jeremy Clarkson officially apologised to the Top Gear producer he punched after settling a six-figure claim for personal injury and racial discrimination.
Oisin Tymon launched the lawsuit against both Clarkson and the BBC after the presenter gave him a bloody lip in the fight which led to him being sacked from the motoring show.
FANS UNIMPRESSED WITH NEW LOOK TOP GEAR: MAY 30, 2016
Disgruntled fans slammed the new-look Top Gear, calling the show's new presenters "cringe" and labelling host Chris Evans a "poor man's Jeremy Clarkson".
Evans hit back pointing to the ratings, which saw 4.4 million British viewers tune in to the season premiere.
Matt LeBlanc was reportedly ready to quit Top Gear because of co-host Chris Evans.
MATT LEBLANC THREATENS TO QUIT: JUNE 27, 2016
Matt LeBlanc threatened to quit Top Gear over co-host Chris Evans.
Reports suggested that the former Friends actor was becoming increasingly frustrated with how rude his co-presenter was with the staff on set and told producers they could no longer work together.
CHRIS EVANS QUITS AS RATINGS TANK: JULY 5, 2016
Chris Evans announces he is quitting Top Gear just hours after police reveal he will be investigated over allegations he sexually assaulted a woman in the 1990s.
