More than friends, Matt LeBlanc joins Top Gear
Matt LeBlanc is the latest name to be tied with the BBC production Top Gear, pulling up a chair next to the show’s anchor Chris Evans and becoming the first non-Brit to present the show in the brand’s 39 years on television. This duo might turn quartet if Chris Harris and Sabine Schmitz agree to terms.
A reminder for those who don’t watch all the repeat episodes, the likeable Matt LeBlanc (best known for his role as Joey in Friends) was also the fastest celebrity around the Dunsfold track in the segment, ‘star in a reasonably priced car’. Afterwards he took the Stig around in his personal McLaren MP4-12C.
Matt LeBlanc then stayed close to the Top Gear team by presenting a number of spin-off shows including some of the series’ best moments. In a strategic move, Matt’s homegrown following could improve Top Gear’s ratings in the USA.
“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,” Matt said. “What a thrill!”
Chris Evans gave him new co-host a big welcome, “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.”
