American actor Matt LeBlanc (“Friends,” “Episodes”) has today been revealed as one of the new presenters of the upcoming and eagerly-awaited return of Top Gear, the planet’s biggest motoring entertainment show. LeBlanc’s appointment marks the first time the show has ever had a non-British host in its 39-year history.
In what promises to be an explosive cocktail of car-obsessed entertainers and cultural clashes – the revamped show is expected to noisily announce itself on BBC Two and TV screens everywhere this May.
The Golden Globe-winning star of the popular BBC comedy “Episodes,” Matt LeBlanc is already a familiar face to Top Gear viewers, having been a two-time guest on the show and the fastest celebrity to date 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 and additional Top Gear cast members will be confirmed shortly.
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 honored 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 program. I’m really looking forward to watching Chris and Matt bring the all new show to our audiences.”
Best known for his role as Joey Tribbiani on the NBC sitcom “Friends,” In 2011, Matt LeBlanc began starring as a fictional version of himself in “Episodes,” a BBC Two/Showtime television series created by the “Friends” co-creators. He won a Golden Globe award for his work on “Episodes,” and was nominated for an Emmy three times for his work on “Friends” and four times for “Episodes.”
Matt holds the record for the fastest ever celebrity lap of the famous Top Gear track, having appeared as a guest in Season 18 Episode 2 in February 2012, setting a still unbeaten 1 minute 42.1 second in the Kia C’eed. He also reappeared on the show in February 2013 when he was asked to test the new Kia C’eed on the track, against the old one.
Matt LeBlanc’s love of all things four and two-wheeled will come as no surprise to Top Gear fans. While on set for his guest appearance, Matt also spent as much time as he was allowed driving the McLaren 12C supercar around the Top Gear track, accompanied by The Stig.
(Photo credit: WENN.com)
