Matt LeBlanc to return to British car series ‘Top Gear’
Matt LeBlanc plans to be back in the driver’s seat on “Top Gear” when the long-running British car series returns in 2017.
BBC Two announced news of LeBlanc’s return Monday morning, saying the actor had been signed to a two-series deal.
“I am thrilled that Matt LeBlanc is returning to ‘Top Gear.’ He’s a huge talent whose love of cars is infectious,” said BBC Two Channel Editor Patrick Holland in Monday’s statement. “I can’t wait for the series to return to BBC Two next year.”
LeBlanc, who made several previous appearances on “Top Gear,” joined the program as a regular presenter in early 2016, when he and British radio and TV personality Chris Evans were hired to replace Jeremy Clarkson.
Clarkson, who had been involved with the series since 1988, did not have his contract renewed by the broadcaster in 2015, after a controversial run with the show, including the use of racially charged language on-set and a physical altercation with a producer.
Evans announced in July that he would not be returning to “Top Gear” despite signing a three-year deal in 2015.