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Chris Evans goes casual in London as it emerges former Top Gear presenters are blocked from appearing on rival channel for two years

Published: 11:00 EST, 7 July 2015 | Updated: 14:26 EST, 7 July 2015

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Chris Evans is starting a new phase in his BBC career with his signing as the new Top Gear host.

And the 49-year-old presenter looked in good spirits as he headed out in London on Tuesday.

The star flashed a smile during his stroll, as it emerges ex Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have been blocked from signing with a rival channel after their departure from the motoring show.

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Top form: New Top Gear presenter Chris Evans looked in good spirits as he headed out in London on Tuesday

Chris was dressed down in a grey hoodie, jeans and trainers as he walked through London on Tuesday.

With some aviator shades on, the star looked relaxed as he enjoys the last few months before a BBC juggling act, which will require him to combine his daily Radio 2 breakfast show with the globe-trotting adventures of Top Gear.

Chris was signed as the new host of the show following the headline-grabbing departure of Jeremy Clarkson, with the Radio 2 star presiding over a revamped version of the motoring series from next year.

Casual: Chris was dressed down in a grey hoodie, jeans and trainers as he walked through the capital

Chris Evans laughs off claims Clarkson was offered Top Gear job

Clarkson was forced to leave the BBC2 programme after punching producer Osin Tymon in the face during a late-night row earlier this year, with his co-hosts May and Hammond departing the show following his exit.

It has now emerged that the trio cannot appear on a rival terrestrial British TV channel for two years, thanks to a clause in their previous BBC contract.

It is understood, the clause would not prevent them from risking signing with an internet-based service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, which both commission original TV shows.

Chris Evans texted by Jeremy Clarkson over Top Gear

New venture: Chris was signed as the new host of Top Gear following the departure of Jeremy Clarkson, with the Radio 2 star presiding over a revamped version of the motoring series from next year

ITV are understood to be very keen to sign up the former Top Gear stars because they are viewed as pure ratings gold, and they have an unrivaled international following, which was worth an estimated £40 million a year to the BBC.

A TV source told the Daily Mirror: 'Basically they could make a show for ITV, but not one about cars. A clause stops them leaving and making a rival.

'It means Netflix or Amazon are favourites to sign up the team. There is a feeling that if they wait two years it gives Chris Evans a chance to steal a march on them and get his new Top Gear show up and running, which means he would be settled in by then.

'It's a difficult decision but they hope to make up their minds soon after a number of meetings. ITV have made them a great offer.'

Plans scuppered? It has emerged that Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May cannot appear on a rival terrestrial British TV channel for two years, thanks to a clause in their previous BBC contract

Jeremy Clarkson quizzed about Chris Evans Top Gear rumours