The Drum Awards for Marketing - Extended Deadline

-d -h -min -sec

Top Gear Friends Chris Evans

Matt LeBlanc joins Chris Evans as host of Top Gear

Author

By Jessica Goodfellow, Media Reporter

February 4, 2016 | 3 min read

Matt LeBlanc has been revealed as the latest presenter of the revamped Top Gear series, fronted by Chris Evans. He represents the first ever non-British host on the show in its 39-year history.

The return of the revamped show is expected to be announced on BBC Two and should debut across the UK this May.

LeBlanc rose to fame as a lead actor in global hit tv show Friends, and has since starred in BBC comedy Episodes for which he won a Golden Globe in 2012.

He has previously appeared as a guest on Top Gear two times and was the fastest celebrity around the Top Gear track in its reasonably priced car. LeBlanc also presented the recent standalone spin-off 'Top Gear: The Races', where he led fans through some of the most memorable racing moments from the previous 22 series.

He joins production immediately, with Top Gear reporting additional cast members will be confirmed shortly, although little was said of the other presenters that were announced last year, including motoring journalist Chris Harris, German racing driver Sabine Schmitz and Formula One racer David Coulthard.

Chris Evans said of his new Top Gear presenter: “Matt’s a lifelong fellow petrolhead and I’m thrilled he's joining Top Gear. Acting out our craziest car notions on screen is a dream job and I know we’ll both be debating some epic road trip ideas. We can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to on screen later this year."

Matt LeBlanc commented: “As a car nut and a massive fan of Top Gear, I'm honoured and excited to be a part of this iconic show’s new chapter. What a thrill!”

Alan Tyler, the BBC’s Acting Controller for Entertainment Commissioning said: “Matt is a class act and a brilliant signing for Top Gear. He is a self-confessed car fanatic with a passion for the programme. I’m really looking forward to watching Chris and Matt bring the all new show to our audiences.”

News comes after Chris Evans was reportedly on the verge of quitting Top Gear due to tensions with " meddling” BBC executives.

Top Gear Friends Chris Evans

More from Top Gear

View all

Trending

Industry insights

View all
Add your own content +