Chris Evans will be told to drop the tantrums in crisis talks with the Beeb’s new big boss… or face being kicked to the kerb
Motormouth DJ will be ordered to rein his behaviour in if he has any hope of returning for a second series
TOP GEAR host CHRIS EVANS is heading for the biggest telling-off of his career.
The motormouth DJ has been summoned for crisis talks with the Beeb’s new entertainment boss after a string of complaints about his behaviour on set.
Kate Phillips will tell Evans to drop the tantrums and allow others to have some creative control, otherwise he is getting kicked to the kerb.
She will demand he stick to a plan drawn up to rein him in if he has any hope of returning for a second series.
Insiders have revealed Chris’s diva act is severely testing the patience of BBC execs, who see co-host MATT LeBLANC as the future of the show should Evans not change.
A Top Gear source said: “Chris has annoyed a lot of the crew with his behaviour and by being a control freak.
“He’s now going to be told there will be changes and if he doesn’t like it then he should go.
“Kate’s background at the BBC is taking Strictly to the US and she knows what makes shows successful around the world.
“Matt is more well-known and popular with audiences, so Chris will take a back seat like he did towards the end of the series.
"The other presenters will have a more prominent role and it will be seen as an ensemble rather than Chris and his team.”
The crisis talks are planned for later this month after the final episode of the six-show run airs on BBC2 on Sunday — and once worldwide viewing figures can be analysed.
It has already recorded its lowest-ever ratings under the revamp following JEREMY CLARKSON’s sacking last year.
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Entertainment chief Kate is now spearheading transatlantic negotiations with Episodes and Friends star Matt, whose contract expired last week, to return for two more series.
Earlier this week I revealed how the corporation has already advertised internally for a series producer to wrestle back editorial control from Evans.
Beeb chiefs feel the programme was left “rudderless” when executive producer Lisa Clark quit in December, after just five months in the job, having clashed badly with Radio 2 breakfast show Chris.
However, they are publicly claiming that the new role reflects “greater ambitions”.
Their first ambition should be to win back fed-up viewers.
Abs fab Mel soaks up sun
MEL B enjoyed a well- deserved break following her surprise return to the X Factor judging panel last month.
The singer jetted out to Ibiza this week after I told how she was covering for NICOLE SCHERZINGER at the London auditions due to a diary clash.
Mel made sure to bring out her Scary Spice hair and rock-hard abs as she joined husband Stephen Belafonte on a swanky yacht for the romantic getaway.
I can’t believe she’s just turned 41. She looks scarily good.
JAMES HITS A HOME RUN
JAMES CORDEN has cleaned up in the his US Late Late Show clips surpassing a billion YouTube views.
And just when I thought his star could not get any bigger, Sky says it is bringing the programme to the UK.
Entertainment Pass viewers on Sky and Now TV can watch the show a day behind the States using On Demand.
Programme bosses are launching the deal with a special on July 19.
It will show the best of Carpool Karaoke, which has dominated my Twitter and Facebook feed for the past year. James will also be giving a rundown of his favourite moments from the first year in the job – hopefully with unseen footage.
ADELE’s Carpool Karaoke was the most successful with more than 113million views and JUSTIN BIEBER followed at 82million.
Other top moments were dodgeball with ONE DIRECTION and his speedy run-through of TOM HANKS films.
A spot on UK television will be a welcome step closer to us having him back from America for good.
Orange is the new flack
CAROLINE FLACK summed up this snap of herself yesterday with the caption: “Orange Thursday” – but it’s clearly more like red-hot.
The Love Island host was being primped up ahead of her dramatic – but fully clothed – appearance on the show last night to boot out two more lovers.
Caroline arrived in Majorca to evict Welsh hunk Tom Powell and newbie Liana Isadora Van Riel from the villa after being nominated by fellow islanders for being halves of the two weakest pairings.
Emotions ran high as Sophie Gradon had to kiss goodbye to boyfriend Tom.
The two famously romped in a wardrobe during this series before their relationship was rocked by the arrival of Tom’s ex-girlfriend Emma-Jane Woodham.
Last night Caroline brought along eight new hopefuls to Majorca to stir up more trouble.
Among those hoping to be voted to enter the villa permanently is glamour model Katie Salmon.
She briefly became famous for flashing her boobs at the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year.
She will be hoping to take the Love Island crown off her best pal – and fellow racecourse flasher – Jessica Hayes, who won last year.
With the contestants romping in the same room and having sex in wardrobes, she’ll have to do something really shocking to get her share of the limelight.
HOT TALENT IN MIND
LOUIE SPENCE plans to recruit the SPICE GIRLS for his new TV show.
The dancer revealed he has asked pal EMMA BUNTON to hitch a fare in his cab for Louie Spence: Taxi Driver.
Louie drives around Essex in the series, which starts tomorrow on Sky1 at 10pm.
He said: “Emma told me she’s totally up for being on the show. Maybe we could get the rest of the girls involved too.
“I know all the girls have been getting together and having chats and things about a reunion so I know they’re busy.
“If they do a reunion though, I’ll be the first in line.”
I’ll see you there.
Bruno's Brucie bonus
I AM not alone in hoping that SIR BRUCE FORSYTH will be back for the Christmas and Children in Need Strictly Come Dancing specials.
Judge BRUNO TONIOLI has revealed the stars of the BBC1 dance series are anticipating a return by the legendary presenter.
Speaking at the Ab Fab movie premiere party on Wednesday night, Bruno admitted: “It will be up to him. I really don’t know.
“We would love to have him as he is Sir Bruce but that is a decision he has to make.”
Strictly would also have a great line-up if Bruno was able to pick the celeb dancers.
Bruno is hoping that one year CHERYL and Towie’s JOEY ESSEX will say yes to Strictly.
He added: “The show will deliver this year. I would like to see Cheryl on it. Why not? She is a nice girl.
“I don’t have any power but why not? She would be good value. Get her and Joey Essex.
“Can you imagine? We would have a hoot.”
I’m not sure Cheryl’s fella LIAM PAYNE would be quite so keen – in case the infamous curse of Strictly strikes again.
Maybe the 1D star should give it a whirl too, just to keep an eye on things.
The sight of Liam in a sequin leotard would send Strictly’s already massive viewing figures through the roof.
SOAPBOX
CORONATION STREET’S Tracy Barlow continues to face a backlash from her loved ones for her actions against Carla Connor – despite being left fighting for her life during tonight’s episode.
The Weatherfield schemer suffers a shock collapse but Tracy’s family fail to find any sympathy for her during her terrifying predicament.
As Tracy regains consciousness, her daughter Amy refuses to visit – leaving Tracy devastated.
Surely she doesn’t deserve this kind of punishment?
Over on HOLLYOAKS, Maxine Minniver returns home looking incredible following her holiday.
And she is set to drop a huge bombshell.
What explosive news does she have to share?
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