‘Armchair quarterbacks’ not deterring LeBlanc

Matt LeBlanc has said he faced his share of criticism from “armchair quarterbacks” when he stepped behind the wheel of Top Gear but that he just wanted to take the show forward.

The former Friends star took over the BBC2 motoring programme alongside Chris Evans after the departure of hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

Evans quit Top Gear after one series following plummeting ratings and poor reviews, saying he gave it his best shot but it was “not enough”.

But LeBlanc, 49, insists he does not focus on how many people are tuning in.

“I look at the ratings, but I don’t dwell on them,” he said.

“My job is to make the best programme I have the ability to make.

“Once the show is broadcast it’s out of my hands, so the old saying, ‘Don’t worry about things out of your control’ works here.”

The programme returns for a new series next month.

Matt LeBlanc.