LeBlanc joins Top Gear reboot

From left: Matt LeBlanc, Chris Evans and The Stig

Friends and Episodes star Matt LeBlanc has been named one of the new presenters of the BBC’s revamped version of flagship motoring show Top Gear.

LeBlanc joins the production with immediate effect – the first time the show has ever had a non-British host in its 39-year history – to present alongside new anchor Chris Evans.

LeBlanc has twice been a Top Gear guest and also presented the recent standalone spin-off Top Gear: The Races, in which he led fans through memorable moments from the previous 22 series.

The stakes are high for the BBC to make a success of the revamped show, having sacked previous host Jeremy Clarkson, whose fellow presenters James May and Richard Hammond subsequently joined him to launch a new motoring series for Amazon.

While there have been rumblings of disquiet over the way the new Top Gear is progressing, with the exec producer and BBC2’s channel controller both departing, hopes are high for Evans’ ability to helm one of the most valuable properties in commercial arm BBC Worldwide’s portfolio.

Acting BBC controller for entertainment commissioning Alan Tyler 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.”

LeBlanc added: “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.”

The BBC said additional Top Gear cast members would be confirmed shortly. The new-look show is due to debut in the spring.