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'This is the most challenging thing I've ever done in my career': Chris Evans admits he almost ruled himself out of Top Gear job after Jeremy Clarkson's dramatic exit

Published: 19:06 EST, 12 July 2015 | Updated: 03:26 EST, 13 July 2015

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He's taken over as host of one of the BBC's most enduring global hits.

And now, new Top Gear presenter Chris Evans has admitted how hesitant he was to fill Jeremy Clarkson's shoes, as he opens up about the new venture for the first time.

Speaking to Top Gear Magazine, the TV star confesses fronting the hugely popular motoring show is undoubtedly 'the most challenging thing' he's ever signed up for in his 30 year career.

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Challenge: Chris Evans has spoken in-depth for the first time about his new job as the host of Top Gear

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

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

Chris points out in the new interview with Top Gear Magazine that before Clarkson and co presided over the hit show, the series had gone through many reincarnations since its first episode in 1977.

'There have been 34 presenters before me, so it's a bit like Doctor Who,' Chris explained. 'When I took over Terry Wogan's Radio 2 show, people kept saying I had 'big shoes to fill' and they're saying it again now. By the way, Jeremy is very tall, so they're even bigger shoes.'

'This is, without doubt, the most challenging thing I have ever done in my career,' he added, before explaining that he had every intention of turning down the job when he was first offered it.

Big shoes to fill: Chris was signed as the new host of the show following the headline-grabbing departure of Jeremy Clarkson earlier this year

Chris Evans texted by Jeremy Clarkson over Top Gear

Hesitant: Chris has admitted that he was reluctant at first to take on the job on one of the BBC's most popular global hits

Moving on: Clarkson and his co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May are thought to be in talks to front a new rival motoring show

Chris Evans laughs off claims Clarkson was offered Top Gear job

Read the full interview in the new issue of Top Gear magazine, out Wednesday

'I honestly didn't think I'd get the phone call – I was amazed that I did, to be honest,' he said. 'I ruled myself out because I didn't want to be part of all the nonsense that was going on. But then the situation changed, and I wasn't stepping on anybody's graves or toes.'

Chris categorically denied he would join Top Gear three months before confirming his role, previously explaining that he had ruled himself out of the job because he didn't want to upset the former presenters - before changing his mind when it was confirmed that they would not be returning to the BBC One show.

He has gone on to explain that he had only agreed to host Top Gear on a rumoured £3million contract after being told that James May and Richard Hammond had decided to quit the motoring show.

With May and Hammond out, rumours have been circulating about Evans' new co-hosts.

The star has been holding open auditions for co-presenters, while top model and motoring fan Jodie Kidd is one of the frontrunners to join Chris, after BBC director general Tony Hall admitted he'd like to see more women on the show.

Chris is remaining tight-lipped over who will be joining him next year, insisting that the first step is to assemble the behind-the-scenes talent.

It remains unclear what Clarkson, Hammond and May will do next, although it's widely assumed that the trio will return to prime time TV with a similar offering to the BBC show.