'Top Gear' Cast News: Matt LeBlanc To Co-Present BBC Motoring Show
The long-running British auto show "Top Gear" may be without Jeremy Clarkson when it returns for its 23rd season in May, but fans will be in for a treat as the popular series will feature a troupe of fresh cast members, some of whom may be familiar to viewers.
On Thursday, Feb. 4, "Top Gear" announced that former "Friends" star Matt LeBlanc will be joining the popular motoring show as a new co-host.
"Matt's a lifelong fellow petrolhead and I'm thrilled he's joining 'Top Gear,'" said LeBlanc's fellow host, British radio and TV personality Chris Evans, who was added to the show last year.
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"Hey everyone, I'm really honored and looking forward to working on Top Gear with @achrisevans, d**n he's tall," the actor said on Twitter on Thursday morning.
LeBlanc will be the first non-Brit to host the BBC's flagship motoring program in its 39 years on air.
The actor, whose Golden Globe-winning work in the BBC/Showtime sitcom "Episodes" has made him a more recognizable face on British TV screens, has previously guest starred on "Top Gear" and hosted one of its spinoffs, "Top Gear: The Races." "As a car nut and a massive fan of 'Top Gear,' I'm honored and excited to be a part of this iconic show's new chapter," the actor said.
"Acting out our craziest car notions onscreen is a dream job, and I know we'll both be debating some epic road trip ideas," Evans said of his new co-host.
On Wednesday, Feb. 3, LeBlanc teased the announcement on Twitter, saying: "Hey guys, very cool news coming in the next day or so. Stay tuned."
According to the U.K.'s public service broadcaster, more new hosts will be announced. The auto series will be one of the main events at this month's BBC Worldwide showcase, which will be held in Liverpool, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
2016 will be an interesting year for auto show fanatics as the revamped "Top Gear" will be going head-to-head against Amazon Prime's own motoring series, which will be hosted by former "Top Gear" hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. Amazon's new auto series is expected to air later this year.
