Matt LeBlanc has said he cannot believe the reaction to his Top Gear appointment.
The revamped version of the BBC show is due to premiere in May, with the American star joining Chris Evans at the helm.
Matt LeBlanc will be a presenter on the revamped Top Gear (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
LeBlanc, best known for his role as goofy lothario Joey in Friends, said he has been 'ducking paparazzi' since the announcement was made.
Speaking to his new co-host on Radio 2′s The Chris Evans Breakfast Show, LeBlanc, 48, said: “I can’t believe the response. I mean, I knew Top Gear was a big show, but, wow, it was on the front page of The New York Times, did you know that?
“There was so much I couldn’t read it all, my publicist said ‘Did you know it’s on the front page of The New York Times?’”
Our new Friend @Matt_LeBlanc and @achrisevans go through their @BBC_TopGear checklist…https://t.co/EUfothS1ls pic.twitter.com/AgSf1klpET
— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) February 5, 2016
He added: “My day has been, thanks to Top Gear and the BBC, my day has been ducking paparazzi all day long, and now I’m relaxing with a glass of wine at my bar.”
Evans, 49, wanted to know more about the bar, and LeBlanc said it is at his house and has a lot of wine.
Chris Evans will be in the Top Gear driving seat (Ian West/PA)
The radio DJ then listed famous double acts such as Tom and Jerry, Laurel and Hardy, and Friends couple Rachel and Ross, asking LeBlanc who they will most resemble.
But the actor replied with a reference to Joey and his partner in crime on the long-running sitcom, saying: “Joey and Chandler.”
— Matt LeBlanc (@Matt_LeBlanc) February 5, 2016
Evans asked him if he has an up-to-date passport because they will 'need them a lot', and LeBlanc replied: “I do. I looked at the schedule. I have a question for you, do I get the frequent flyer miles?”
But Evans said they go to the runners on the show.
Evans revealed the pair will be going to South Africa, and added: “Do you want to stay at mine because I’ll get you a new key cut, or do you want me to look for a place for you?”
Matt LeBlanc shot to fame as Joey on Friends (PA)
LeBlanc is no stranger to presenting for Top Gear and recently hosted a spin-off called Top Gear: The Races.
Evans confirmed the news on Thursday as he tweeted a picture of himself, LeBlanc and The Stig, and he has described his new sidekick as a 'lifelong petrolhead'.
LeBlanc appeared on the original show in 2012 when he set the fastest ever time in the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment, completing his lap in 1 minute 42.1 seconds in a Kia cee’d.
