Friends and Episodes star to co-present with Chris Evans

Friends and Episodes star Matt LeBlanc is to be one of the new presenters of the new-look Top Gear.

LeBlanc is already a familiar face to Top Gear viewers, having twice guested on the show and holding the title of the fastest celebrity to date in its 'star in a reasonably priced car' segment.

 The actor 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.

He joins  immediately joins Chris Evans on the production, ahead of the show's relaunch on BBC Two in May.

The BBC says additional Top Gear presenters will be confirmed shortly.

Evans said: '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.'

LeBlanc commented: '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.'

Alan Tyler, the BBC's acting controller for entertainment commissioning, said: 'Matt is a class act and a brilliant signing for Top Gear. He is a self-confessed car fanatic with a passion for the programme. I'm really looking forward to watching Chris and Matt bring the all new show to our audiences.'

The much-anticipated relaunch of the show, following Jeremy Clarkson's dismissal for punching a producer, has been reportedly beset by problems.

Producer Lisa Clark quit before Christmas, and BBC bosses were said to be worried about recruiting a star-name presenting team worthy of a globally-recognised programme – fears that will be allayed with the appointment of 48-year-old LeBlanc.

In Episodes, Le Blanc's character - a heightened version of himself – drove an Alfa Romeo 8C Spider, one of only 500 produced, and a car he previously reported on for Top Gear.

In the comedy, Stephen Mangan's character Sean asks: 'This isn't your car is it? What are there like three in the world?', and Le Blanc says: 'Yep, me, the sultan of Brunei, and some drug guy.'

It was one of several storylines involving cars:

Le Blanc is also a motorcycle enthusiast, frequently attending the Red Bull MotoGP in Monterey, California.

Here is his 'star in a reasonably priced car' segment:

Published: 4 Feb 2016