BBC taking Top Gear’s Chris Evans to Cannes

BBC Worldwide is taking Chris Evans to MIPCOM next month to promote the new season of Top Gear, which he will host.

Top Gear is one of Worldwide’s biggest shows, selling around the world as a finished programme and a format.

Evans, a well-known TV and radio presenter in the UK, will head a new presenting team in the wake of the departure of Jeremy Clarkson and his presenting team in controversial circumstances.

The trio has since agreed a new deal with Amazon and will make a Top Gear rival for the Prime Instant Video streaming service.

Evans will meet international buyers in Cannes to promote his version of Top Gear.

BBCWW, the commercial arm of UK pubcaster the BBC, will also be taking Ben Fogle, presenter of new Natural History Unit-produced fishing competition series The Big Catch, and Jason Falla, one of the special forces instructors in BBC-produced BBC One series Special Forces – Ultimate Hell Week, to MIPCOM.

Paul Dempsey (right), BBCWW’s president of global markets, said: “We’re delighted to be joined at MIPCOM by Chris, Ben and Jason to celebrate the world’s favourite car show, the ultimate fishing competition and the toughest endurance challenge you can imagine.”

Andrea Olsson, head of factual entertainment, lifestyle, BBCWW, said: “BBC Worldwide has a tradition of exploding niche passions into huge global hits, as demonstrated by Top Gear and The Great British Bake Off.  The Big Catch and Special Forces – Ultimate Hell Week build on that tradition by supersizing angling and endurance challenges, offering a real sense of adventure and escapism.”