Chris 'Mr Shouty' Evans says he will get even more 'shouty'
Top Gear fans called for Formula 1 driver Jenson Button to replace Chris Evans on the show as the under-fire host declared war on his critics.
Radio star Evans started the second episode of the show with a quip after he had been labelled 'Mr Shouty' due to his over zealous presenting in the first episode.
Entering on a hospital bed and giving a brief summary he warned viewers: 'I get even more shouty', before presenting a segment where he put a McLaren 675 LT supercar through its paces.
It was explained that the host was on the bed, due to the nerve-shredding ride he was given in the thrilling McLaren.
Chris Evans and Jenson Button on the second episode of the new Top Gear series. Picture/BBC
Evans raced around the famous Top Gear track in the impressive $NZ540,000 motor before he was joined by British F1 ace Button.
Button took a turn behind the wheel and tore around the track while exchanging witty repartee with the host - and fans liked what they saw.
Many called for Button to return to the show and even replace Evans as a presenter.
Melanie Millner said: 'Chris Evans and Jenson great banter get Jenson on next series as a presenter #Topgear.'
Paul Swain said: '#TopGear definitely better this week! Good to see @JensonButton and @Tinie Tempah throwing round some motors!'
Rich Laverty said: 'Jenson Button should retire at the end of 2016 and present Top Gear. He's got that dry wit that Le Blanc has and Evans painfully hasn't.'
Others however, still lamented the loss of previous much-loved presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May
Tweeter Jamie Smith wrote: 'Trying to replace Jezza, Hammond & May from #TopGear is like putting the Chuckle Brothers & Mr. Bean upfront for England. Doesn't work.'
Supercar: Evans reviewed the McLaren 675 LT. Picture/BBC
This week's episode saw Evans and LeBlanc joined by F1 tycoon Eddie Jordan and head to South Africa for a group challenge with musicians, Tinie Tempah, Sharleen Spiteri from Texas and folk singer Seasick Steve.
The group were to race up to Africa's highest pub in three off-road vehicles - a Jaguar F-Pace, a Porsche Macan and a Mercedes GLC with the winners performing at the venue.
Tinie Tempah was teamed with LeBlanc, Seasick Steve was with Evans and Spiteri with Jordan for the journey through some of South Africa's most picturesque countryside.
Along the way the group took part in various tasks, including a road race, a challenge involving massive cocktails and a task where they had to use the car's on-board cameras to film zebras, giraffes and rhinos in the wild.
Tempah and LeBlanc won the competition with the other teams forced to wash dishes and serve drinks at the bar as their punishment.
Fans appeared to warm to LeBlanc throughout the show with many taking to Twitter to praise his presenting style and comment on how likeable he was.
However, not all were as complimentary to Evans describing him as too loud and annoying.
Evans has been the target for repeated critcism after becoming the new host of the show.
Last week's debut was slammed by fans and critics with both hosts being accused of lacking chemistry and the wit and comic timing of their predecessors.
Top Gear was also accused of forfeiting car analysis and focusing on celebrity guests.
This week, Homeland actor Damien Lewis was the Star in a Rallycross Car and whizzed around the track in 1.53 beating his previous time on the show.
Apart from discussing his favourite motors, Lewis also spoke to Evans about rumours claiming he was in the running to be the next James Bond, after Daniel Craig announced he would no longer be taking on the part.
Lewis said he 'loved' talking about the rumours but said he had not received a call from studio bosses asking him to take on the spy role.
The red-haired actor did however thrill fans by saying the iconic Bond line - albeit with a comedic twist.
Turning to Sharleen, he said: 'The name is Bond, Ginge Bond.'
-Daily Mail
Footnote: The second episode screens on Prime, at 7.30pm on Sunday.