Top Gear returned to BBC Two last night with the first episode of the 27th series, and viewers tuned in to see a brand new presenting line-up as Chris Harris was joined by Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff. 

In their first adventure together, the lads headed to the searing heat of Ethiopia driving the very first cars they ever owned and those watching at home instantly loved the new vibe the presenting team brought. 

Earlier this morning, the original Stig Perry McCarthy joined Dan Walker and Louise Minchin on BBC Breakfast to discuss the new show and the presenting trio. 

“What did you think last night? Did it tick your boxes?” Dan asked and Perry replied: “Oh yes! I personally think Paddy and Freddy have just saved Top Gear. 

“I just thought it was great! Loads of fun, brilliant banter and it’s exactly what we’ve been missing for a really long time.” 

Louise added: “And do you think the banter was scripted or obviously not scripted?” 

“Well, maybe some of it, but even if it was they make you believe it’s coming out naturally,” Perry replied in reference to both Freddie and Paddy being naturally funny men. 

“I believe a lot of it was ad-lib, but it was just funny! They get on, there was great production values; fantastic as always with Top Gear, the stories were great with the cars, but really funny one-liners. I was laughing quite a lot through the show.” 

“It’s hard with a programme so popular which has been around for such a long time to please everybody,” Dan continued. 

“I think the one complaint that I saw coming through; do these three know enough about cars? And the answer some people were giving to that was it doesn’t matter if they know everything about the cars their driving, it’s just the fact the are enjoying driving them.” 

Perry responded: “Yes, but let’s give them a chance. First of, it was really important to have a friendly and good fun show and then I hope they’ll work into giving us a little bit more feedback about the cars, but that will come. 

“For me, the most important thing was that chemistry between the presenters and I think both Paddy and Freddie also got the best out of Chris as well. 

“I think this has got a really great start and I honestly believe that it is just going to get better and better,” the former test driver said. 

It was great!

Perry about the hosts.

Last night, BBC Two viewers took to Twitter to praise the new presenting trio, expressing how the series had got off to a “perfect” start. 

As for next week’s instalment of the car show, it’s an electric car special. 

Chris, Freddie and Paddy will attempt to build their own battery-powered sports cars, but there’s a catch, it’s on a very tight budget. 

Fans will also see Chris test the Tesla Model 3 on the track, while Danny Boyle and Himesh Patel will be the guest stars of the episode. 

Top Gear airs Sunday nights at 8pm on BBC Two. 

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