The BBC has insisted filming of the new series of Top Gear is going ahead as planned.

The statement comes following reports suggesting the show may not be ready for its May launch, as well the exit of the show's executive producer.

The Metro newspaper had claimed the relaunch "has stalled", and said it is not known when the next series will be broadcast.

The BBC has denied suggestions of problems with the relaunched version of the show headed by Chris Evans.

The show's executive producer Lisa Clark has revealed she was leaving Top Gear after just five months of working on the new show.

She said in a statement she was "moving on to new projects", and added: "I'd like to wish production all the very best with the show."

The BBC sacked former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson following a fracas with show producer Oisin Tymon.

Clarkson is currently filming a new motoring show for Amazon Prime alongside fellow former Top Gear hosts James May and Richard Hammond.