British broadcaster Chris Evans on Monday announced he was to step down as lead presenter of BBC's hit motoring show Top Gear after only one series, which received mixed reviews.

Evans replaced Jeremy Clarkson as main host last year following the latter's bust up with a producer.

But the new format has suffered from dwindling viewing figures and claims of a rift between Evans and co-presenter Matt LeBlanc.

"Stepping down from Top Gear," Evans, 50, wrote on Twitter.

"Gave it my best shot but sometimes that's not enough. The team are beyond brilliant, I wish them all the best."

Evans had signed a three-year deal to present the world's most popular factual TV program, but ratings hit an all-time low of 1.9 million during Sunday's series finale.