Top Gear has pulled off a surprise coup in announcing Friends star Matt LeBlanc as one of the new presenters on the revamped motoring show.
Matt said: “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. What a thrill!”
Top Gear host Chris Evans said about his new colleague: “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."
Matt’s appointment marks the first time the show has ever had a non-British presenter in its 39-year history.
The world's most popular motoring show is expected to noisily announce itself on BBC Two and TV screens everywhere this May and the signing of Matt may put to bed suggestions that the show would never survive the loss of former host Jeremy Clarkson and company following last year's notorious punch-up which led to Clarkson's sacking.
Golden Globe winner Matt stars in the popular BBC comedy Episodes, as well as being remembered for his iconic role in the global hit Friends. He’s already been a two-time guest on Top Gear and is the fastest celebrity to date around the Top Gear track in its reasonably priced car. LeBlanc also presented the recent standalone spin-off Top Gear: The Races, where he led fans through some of the most memorable racing moments from the previous 22 series.
Matt has already started work on the show and other Top Gear cast members will be confirmed shortly.
And just to prove he's perfect for Top Gear, watch a clip from the classic Friends episode when Joey pretended he owned a Porsche:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9G95-L7wio
