New look for TV’s Top Gear team

PADDY McGuinness and Andrew Flintoff have been revealed as the new hosts of Top Gear.

The pair will replace Friends star Matt LeBlanc after the next series.

The BBC has confirmed McGuinness and Flintoff haved signed a two-year deal in the hope they will bring the show “back to the glory years”. Both are believed to be earning around £500,000 each from the show.

McGuinness and Flintoff will join motoring journalist and racing driver Chris Harris in the main presenting line-up.

McGuinness, who presents ITV show Take Me Out, said the Top Gear role is a “real honour and I’m thrilled the BBC have given me this opportunity”.

He added: “To be hosting a show I’ve watched and loved from being a small boy is beyond exciting. Top Gear fans worldwide are a passionate bunch and I consider myself one of them.”

LeBlanc joined Top Gear in 2016, but announced his departure from the show earlier this year due to the demands of the role, and how much it keeps him away from his family and friends.

The US actor was a surprise addition to the Top Gear presenting line-up along with Chris Evans two years ago, following the controversial departure of previous hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

Chris Harris, lead host since 2017, added: “They’re both brilliant, natural entertainers – and their mischief mixed with the most exciting cars on the planet is sure to take the show to the next level.

“My dream job just got even better.”