Chris Evans: 'I am not a bully'

The new Top Gear host has said the accusations have hurt his family

His former radio co-host John Revell claimed Evans was “out of control” and BBC bosses are too scared to stand up to him

The new Top Gear presenter Chris Evans has reportedly hit back at allegations he is a bully, saying the claims are “ridiculous”.

Evans, who is leading a team of six new hosts, has been accused of bullying staff while he worked on The Big Breakfast in the 1990s. His former radio co-host John Revell claimed Evans was “out of control” and BBC bosses are too scared to stand up to him.

The 50-year-old presenter has said the accusations have hurt his family according to a close friend.

“I have had wild times in the past, but I am a different man now. I am older and wiser,” Evans told his friend, reports The Sunday Mirror.

”I have never been a bully.“

He also reportedly said the claims amounted to a “witchhunt” and dismissed them as “pernicious and false”.

“I’m not a bully. But of course if you sling enough mud, some will stick to the wall. Is it hurtful to see your wife – or your children – upset? Of course it is. Who likes seeing their wife or kids in tears?”