It's official: Chris Evans is the new host of Top Gear

He was. Then he wasn’t. And now following what seems like millions of column inches in speculation, Chris Evans has officially been announced as the new presenter of Top Gear.

Long rumoured for the job, the seasoned TV and radio host had previously denied he would be joining the BBC’s flagship motoring show after Jeremy Clarkson’s departure - but during last week’s special episode of TFI Friday he sent the rumour mill in overdrive once more, telling Clarkson that he would “never say never”. 

Well it turns out the bespectacled broadcaster went one better and said ‘yes’. Speaking to the BBC to confirm the appointment, Evans said he was “"thrilled" to get the job and described Top Gear as his "favourite programme of all time".

"I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward," he added, which should sate the appetites of some Top Gear fans who feared the show might be dead in the water after the Clarkson and co were sent packing.

No word on who his new co-presenters will be, although F1 presenter and motorcycle expert Suzi Perry is surely in pole position, given her appearance in the bar during Friday's TFI special.

However, we're not sure we can ever trust another word he says...

Evans certainly seems the popular choice too - and even got tips from Clarkson himself during a clip aired on Friday - which you can watch below. As a self-confessed petrol-head, purveyor of dad fashion and loaded with a wry sense of humour, he's the perfect fit - and he even came third in a poll by ShortList readers as to who they’d like to see present the show, finishing just behind Steve Coogan and Sabine Schmitz.

Who knows, maybe he'll give them a call...