Matt LeBlanc signs up for more Top Gear

LONDON — 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.

LeBlanc was one of two hosts when Top Gear was relaunched in May after the loss of its long-standing team of presenters. His co-host, Chris Evans, quit in July after the show drew lacklustre ratings and lukewarm reviews.

A mix of humour, 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 dust-up in which Clarkson punched a producer. They are hosting a new car show, The Grand

Tour, on Amazon Prime.