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YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T see it coming – Friends star Matt LeBlanc has been named as the new Top Gear co-presenter.
The actor will be presenting the show next to Chris Evans, a slightly less unexpected choice who was announced last June.
Although most might think of his hapless character Joey’s approach to cars, LeBlanc is actually quite a dab hand behind the wheel.
He set an as-yet-unbeaten lap time of 1min 42.1s during the Star in the Reasonably Priced Car segment of an episode of Top Gear, and has also appeared on the show – even presenting a special one-off – since.
“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 the actor. “What a thrill!”
Evans described LeBlanc as “a lifelong fellow petrolhead” and said he “can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to on screen later this year”.
Jeremy Clarkson was sacked from Top Gear last summer after punching the Irish producer of the show.
Following his sacking, Clarkson said that the incident was “my own silly fault”.
What do you think about LeBlanc being announced as a Top Gear presenter? Tell us in the comments.
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He knows his cars and he’s a bit of a character. i’ll give him a chance!
He’s a real ratings booster.I mean that Joey show he did was a roaring success. The Bbc are getting desperate.
I wont be watching
Apparently Evans has been a nightmare in the driver’s seat.
Doesn’t know his onions and having great difficulty driving and talking to the camera at the same time.
The original trio were all print journalists for the car trade.
I wouldn’t put money on this new version lasting long.
Great move by the BBC. I think he will bring new life to the show.
Thought Le Blanc would be no use as isn’t he stuck in second gear……
I’ll get my coat…
Thanks Brendan I’ve that Poxy song stuck in my head now.
Great that we have 2 proper shows now. Clarkson Hammond and may for cars and fooling around and top gear for hopefully more serious testing.
And le blanc a a car nut and set the record on the test track so I can’t seeing the new top gear being bad at all. It was getting stale anyway.
Everyone is forgetting that other show 5th Gear presented by posh totty Vicky Butler Henderson and her glorious ample arse which is really the only reason to watch it.
Yeah 5th gear isn’t great although I watch it but doesn’t have the same production quality put into it as top gear did.
It is also severely handicapped by the insomnia curing Tiff Needel and some token Asian dude.
Jayson Plato is kinda cool though. If it were just Plato and VBHs bum I think it would be better.
Think it will be a good thing the other three where getting stail and desperate for new ideas had stopped watch a year before it ended.
Were.
Stale.
Watching.
…
Sorry.
Really Bob?
Unfortunately it’s almost involuntary at this stage. I gave you a thumbs up though.
If I ever get bad news Bob, I want it to come from you.
You’ve a nice way about ya.
I bet Bob starts every sentence with “aubergine”
Afraid too commeent in case he correct me gramer
Not thing ring width ewer grammer
Somebody has to….
It’s still going to have Chris Evans presenting so it’s still a no from me.
Tell us how you really feel
I’ll wait for the Amazon show thank you very much
They all have lovely shows
Will there be a weekly “whack a paddy” slot? I mean what’s racial abuse between a man and his subordinate if not family fun?
RTE viewers will see this in 4 years time.
Like replacing Sheen with Kutcher… lame.
Defo be watching it now that Clarkson is gone. Just wasn’t my cup of tea. Will be giving new show a chance . New line up of presenters look great!
Another nail in the coffin. Top Gear is dead and it won’t be getting resurrected unless Clarkson et al comeb.
Comeback
Rubbish
Spot on ellis. Top Gear is only two words. The lads were what it really was. Bunch a children on here I’d say.
Top Gear was Clarkson. Without him the show dies. A lot of people don’t like to admit it, but it’s the simple truth.
While LaBlanc’s career has had multiple nails in his coffin by now.
His last TV show won multiple golden globes and emmys. Talking out your hole.
If your talking about the series “Episodes” then your wrong,it’s only won a single award thus far. Cabbage.
Clarkson is a kn#b
Either way, if his very last TV show won him a golden globe, then he has never had any nails in his coffin. It’s common sense, if you know what a coffin is. Cabbage.
And it was an award for his performance specifically
Here’s hoping Sue Ellen from Dallas is the female host
Yeah.. Nah
It’s like you’re always stuck in second gear #getscoat
What I like about previous Top Gear, was the presenters taking the piss out of each other. Americans are too serious, so I’m assuming less banter for the new installment.
Great signing. These guys are much more interesting than the tory xenophobe and his two leeches.
Matt LeBlanc is interesting, said no one ever.
You just said it yourself.
How U doin?
How U turn doing
Odd pairing. Still, will reserve judgement until I see it.
Chris Evans no thanks anyone but him dry old git
I think its a good move. I hope its a success
I agree top gear is dead , its like trying to replace a Ferrari engine with a 1.0 ltr diesel . It will never be the same . Cant wait for Clarkson, Hammond, and Mays new show on Amazon later this year F..K BBC and so called new top gear
Have to say I like this choice, still the show is going to need something really special to help us forget the massively entertaining, Clarkson, May and Hammond.
Hopeless pair.
There should be such thing as Top Gear without the lads. And if you think any different, then you obviously never watched the show and should have no say. End of.
Im a fan and Il give it a go.. Il be watching the lads on Amazon too though
Anyone that uses the phrase ‘end of’ shouldn’t be allowed an opinion.
You forgot “FACT” Karol.
Anyone that uses the phrase ‘end of’ shouldn’t be allowed an opinion. FACT!
Ah pal
Well I got done in anyway. Fair play.
Now I’m definitely not watching it. If Clarkson, May and Hammond aren’t presenting then it isn’t Top Gear.
You know top gear had other presenters year ago?
Yeah and it was sh!te
Could you BE anymore of a presenter!
Terrible. They surely should have gone after Chris Harris.
I thought Chris Harris was still involved. The only proper car journalist in the mix. Really like his YouTube stuff for /Drive. He might have rescued top gear for me anyway.
Chris Harris is excellent. Proper pilot with a really instinctive way of explaining things. I’d have watched anyway but his appointment to the show made it hugely interesting. Hopefully it’ll be a success. Can really take or leave Chris Evans and wouldn’t be a fan of Matt le Blanc.
It’ll probably drop down into third , roar a bit for a while and then either get back to cruise in the second season or spin off in a ball of flame. In fairness , if the other three lads had gone on any longer they would have had to stick to land cruisers or film a whole series on the pros and cons of one low slung sporty job in order to make the time it probably takes them getting in and out of it worth their while.
Eh I will be glued to Top Gear …great choice guys …love him
Loved the old show, looking forward to the new one. Simples.
it think mat will do a great. job. worth watching
Aaannnnndddd it’s gone!!
Hope he doesn’t get stuck in second gear
have your say