Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MATT: GET ME OUT OF GEAR
Host quits to be with family & friends
MATT Leblanc has shocked TV bosses by quitting Top Gear, saying the car show takes him from his family and friends for too long.
The host will still appear in the next series later this year, as he had finished filming it.
But BBC2 controller Patrick Holland confirmed moves are under way to bring in a new presenter from next year.
US actor Leblanc, 50, said in a statement: “My experience on Top Gear has been great fun. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the whole team.
“But the time commitment and extensive travel required to present Top Gear take me from family and friends more than I’m comfortable with. It’s unfortunate but for these reasons I will not be continuing my involvement with the show.
“I will forever be a Top Gear fan and I wish the team continued success. Thanks for a great drive.”
Leblanc has a daughter, Marina, 11, with his ex-wife Melissa Mcknight in the US. He is dating Aurora Mulligan, one of Top Gear’s producers.
FABULOUS
He was a surprise addition to the revamped show beside Chris Evans in 2016 after Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May left.
When Evans quit after one series, the former Friends star hosted solo for three more. The show then soared in popularity across the world. It is now seen in more than 200 territories.
The Mirror asked Leblanc in February, as his contract neared the end, if he would be back in 2019 and he said: “I hope so, if they will have me.”
But his US sitcom Man With A Plan has since been renewed and that is also seen as a factor in his Top Gear decision.
After his departure, co-hosts Chris Harris and Rory Reid are set to stay on for continuity.
Mr Holland said: “I want to thank the fabulous Matt Leblanc for being a brilliant co-presenter on Top Gear and wish him all the best. We were always borrowing him from his day job as a top Hollywood comic actor.
“His last series promises to be very special and we have great plans to welcome a new co-host for 2019 and beyond.”
I’ve had great fun. I will forever be a Top Gear fan and I wish the team continued success MATT LEBLANC ON HIS DEPARTURE AS THE BBC2 MOTOR SHOW PRESENTER