With just six months from being the new host of "Top Gear," Chris Evans reportedly threatened to leave the show because of too much meddling from BBC executives.
According to insider sources of Jalopnik, Chris Evans became discouraged by the "constant interference" by BBC executives, particularly BBC2 controller Kim Shillinglaw.
"Chris isn't a quitter but it was all getting on top of him and he began wondering if it was all worth the hassle," a source told Mirror.
"He was working his behind off and just didn't feel the love coming back from certain BBC executives. They were constantly on the case - and getting involved with production issues. It wasn't something Chris is used to dealing with. He was being driven to distraction by all this when all he wanted to do was make good television. Things got so bad that he made his feelings very clear. It was more or less a 'butt out or I'm out' situation. Whether he would have carried out the threat is another issue - but the message was obvious."
Aside from Chris Evans' alleged frustration, "Top Gear" also faced challenges with their executives when their producer, Lisa Clark, and script editor, Tom Ford bailed out from the show.
The two purportedly were also having a hard time working with Shillinglaw, according to Mirror's insider source. Apparently, filming the revamp of "Top Gear" has been too stressful for everyone onset.
On the other hand, BBC denied the allegations that "Top Gear" is having problems. Although, when asked about their comments on the rumors surrounding their new host Chris Evans, BBC spokesperson told The Mirror, as reported by Independent, "This is all gossip and speculation and we don't comment on such nonsense."
Meanwhile, Mirror also recently reported that Kim Shillinglaw unexpectedly left the show and will be replaced by former BBC1 Controller, Charlotte Moore. This appeared to be a huge relief for Evans and the team.
"Chris has a huge respect for Charlotte - and she has a huge respect for him," a source told Mirror. "She is also brilliant at soothing the furrowed brows and egos of top stars and giving them her full backing."