'Friends' Star Matt LeBlanc Reups as Host of BBC's TOP GEAR

The BBC has confirmed that 'Friends' star Matt LeBlanc will return as host of BBC's TOP GEAR, inking a two-season deal with the British network. The first season is set to premiere in 2017.

LeBlanc co-hosted the most recent season of the car show alongside Chris Evans who abruptly left the series in July. In the upcoming season, LeBlanc will be joined by members of last season's team, including Chris Harris, Rory Reid, Eddie Jordan, Sabine Schmitz and The Stig.

Last season of the show saw a drop in ratings, with the season finale averaging just 1.9 million viewers. Evans tweeted the announcement that he would be leaving the show following the season ender.

Today, BBC Two editor Patrick Holland shared, "I am thrilled Matt LeBlanc is returning to Top Gear. He's a huge talent whose love of cars is infectious, adding "I can't wait for the series to return to BBC Two next year."

Mark Linsey, director of BBC Studios, commented: "Matt was hugely popular with Top Gear viewers last series with his humour, warmth and obvious passion for cars and for the show, so I couldn't be more delighted that he's agreed to come back and do more for us."

LeBlanc's CBS comedy series, Man With A Plan, premieres on October 24th.

Image courtesy of BBC

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