Matt LeBlanc Joins The ‘Top Gear’ Team

The Top Gear lineup has had a bit of a shake up since the departure of the problematic Jeremy Clarkson, with the introduction of Chris Evans (not that Chris Evans). Now it has been revealed that Matt LeBlanc will be jumping in the co-host seat.

“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,” said LeBlanc. “What a thrill!”

In all of it’s 39 years, Top Gear has never had a non-British host, and producers are anticipating this will create “an explosive cocktail of car-obsessed entertainers and cultural clashes.” Although hopefully not the kind of cultural clashes that have plagued the show in the past.

LeBlanc is no stranger to the Top Gear set — he has been a guest on the show twice, and still ranks #1 in the “reasonably priced car” fast lap challenge.

His appointment is not a huge surprise to fans, as he also presented the Top Gear spin-off The Races.

“Matt’s a lifelong fellow petrolhead and I’m thrilled he’s joining Top Gear,” said co-host Chris Evans. “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.”

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.”

The revamped Top Gear will be launching on BBC Two in May 2016, appearing on BBC Knowledge in Australia.

BBC has confirmed that “additional Top Gear cast members will be announced shortly”.


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