Leblanc puts the brakes on Top Gear career

MATT LEBLANC has quit as a Top Gear presenter after just three years at the wheel, saying the show’s workload had left him with little time to see his friends and family.

The 50-year-old actor joined the show in 2016, after Jeremy Clarkson, one of its former presenters, was sacked for punching a BBC producer. Leblanc was initially part of a line-up of six presenters led by Chris Evans, the Radio 2 DJ, who replaced Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.

Evans left after just one series as viewing figures plummeted, which led to Leblanc being thrust into the main role. The show enjoyed a period of stability as he became the new face of the programme, supported by Chris Harris, a racing driver, and Rory Reid, a journalist. Leblanc, who rose to fame as Joey in the sitcom Friends, said: “The time commitment and extensive travel required to present Top Gear takes me away from my 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.”