The BBC says former “Friends” star Matt LeBlanc has signed a two-series deal to host its popular car show “Top Gear.”
The broadcaster announced Monday that LeBlanc will front the program when it returns for a 24th series in 2017.
Matt LeBlanc and The Stig of BBC America’s ‘Top Gear’ (Rod Fountain/BBC Worldwide)
LeBlanc was one of two hosts when “Top Gear” was relaunched in May after the loss of its longstanding team of presenters. His co-host, Chris Evans, quit in July after the show drew lackluster ratings and lukewarm reviews.
A mix of humor, stunts and automotive advice, “Top Gear” became a global hit under presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.
The trio left last year after an off-set dustup in which Clarkson punched a producer. They are hosting a new car show, “The Grand Tour,” on Amazon Prime.