Finally, the news we have all been waiting for – the BBC have announced the man who will take over as the frontman of Top Gear and we can stop all the wild speculation.

49-year-old Chris Evans, BBC radio DJ and general hellraiser, will replace Jeremy Clarkson although it remains unclear as to who the other cast members will be. Although Evans is said to have cooled on the wild antics of years gone by, settling into his third marriage and hosting Radio 2’s popular breakfast show, his past is littered with a host of indiscretions.

The list below courtesy of the Sydney Morning Herald:

Making deeply offensive comments in 1996 about Holocaust victim Anne Frank. His employer, Radio 1, was forced to apologise saying it “deeply regretted the offence”.

Reducing children to tears on his TV show TFI Friday. In the segment the youngsters took part in a “staring competition” with the winner rewarded with a car or a boat for their parents. The stunt earned him a reprimand from the TV watchdog Ofcom.

Going on an 18-hour bender in 2001, which ended up with paparazzi shots of him crashed out in front of a lap dancer in exclusive London club Stringfellows. His then wife, Billie Piper, phoned station bosses at Virgin Radio to say Evans was unfit to work but, after he was later spotted in the pub, he was sacked.

Suing Scottish Media Group after he was fired. He lost the case and some $30 million. The judge in the case described him as a “prima donna”, adding: “He always expects and demands compliance with his wishes. He is petulant and given to sulking and walking away from situations whenever he considers himself thwarted.”

Charming stuff that, one thinks Mr. Evans should fit in just fine. He has some big, abusive shoes to fill but if there’s anyone who can do it…

[source:smh]