Matt LeBlanc Signs New Deal to Host BBC’s ‘Top Gear’

Matt LeBlanc may have lost his driving companion, but he’s still going for (at least) two more laps around the Top Gear track.

The actor on Monday was confirmed by the BBC as the host of the 24th and 25th seasons of its flagship motoring show, set to air next year under a two-season deal.

“Matt was hugely popular with Top Gear viewers last series with his humor, 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.” said Mark Linsey, director of BBC Studios.

LeBlanc will be joined by Chris Harris and Rory Reid, with regular appearances from Eddie Jordan, Sabine Schmitz and The Stig.

British media personality Chris Evans was named as LeBlanc’s co-host for the 23rd season of Top Gear, which was a reboot of the show following the departure of controversial long-term presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who was sacked for punching a producer.

However, Evans announced he would be stepping down before the season ended following poor ratings and intense media scrutiny, saying he “gave it my best shot but sometimes that’s not enough.”

Meanwhile, Clarkson’s new show on Amazon, The Grand Tour, is set to land on Nov. 18.

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