Friends star Matt LeBlanc named host of 'Top Gear'


The hit car television show "Top Gear" has a new host.

Matt LeBlanc is taking the wheel of the famous BBC show.

LeBlanc, in the BBC's announcement, said, "As a car nut and a massive fan of 'Top Gear,' I'm honored and excited to be a part of this iconic show's new chapter. What a thrill!"

>> Read more trending stories  

He will join Chris Evans, not the Captain America actor, as co-host.

"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," Evans said.

LeBlanc has been on "Top Gear" in the past and served as host for show spin-off "Top Gear: The Races."

LeBlanc, who is the show's first non-British host, replaces Jeremy Clarkson after Clarkson was fired over an attack on a producer, NBC News reported.

"Top Gear" has an estimated global audience off 350 million and has been on the air for 39 years.

The revamped show will hit the BBC airwaves in May, NBC News reported.

About the Author