Matt Le Blanc to join Chris Evans as new face of Top Gear

Joey from Friends to front BBC’s flagship automobile programme

Actor Matt Le Blanc, who is most famous for clowning around as feeble-minded character Joey in the 1990s television programme Friends, is set to join Chris Evans as a new presenter on the BBC’s Top Gear programme.

The BBC announced Le Blanc’s appointment this morning.

According to the broadcaster, Le Blanc, an American, will be the show’s first non-British host in its 39-year history.

“Matt’s a lifelong fellow petrolhead and I’m thrilled he’s joining Top Gear,” said Chris Evans of his new co-presenter.

Le Blanc said: “As a car nut and a massive fan of Top Gear, I’m honoured and excited to be a part of this iconic show’s new chapter.

“What a thrill!” he added.

In one episode of Friends, Le Blanc’s hapless character pretends to own a Porsche, which is just great if you like that kind thing.

Perhaps more notably, in 2012 Le Blanc appeared as a guest on Top Gear and during his turn as the “star in the reasonably priced car”, he topped the leaderboard with his fast driving ability.

Here is a relevant gif from Twitter:

Matt LeBlanc to co-present #TopGearpic.twitter.com/J9Pst1C6RB

— David (@itisdxvid) February 4, 2016

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