Matt LeBlanc Announced as Top Gear Presenter

Matt LeBlanc has joined Chris Evans as the co-presenter of Top Gear.

The motoring show will return to BBC Two in May.

The former Friends star will be Top Gear‘s first non-British host in its 39-year history.

Additional Top Gear cast members will be confirmed shortly, the BBC said.

Photo Top Gear

“As a car nut and a massive fan of Top Gear, I’m honored and excited to be a part of this iconic show’s new chapter,” said Matt LeBlanc.

“What a thrill!”

Matt LeBlanc, 48, is best known for his role as Joey Tribbiani in Friends and has more recently been seen, as himself, in BBC Two sitcom Episodes.

He has twice appeared on Top Gear on its popular “star in a reasonably priced car” segment and holds the record for the fastest ever celebrity lap.

Chris Evans was named as Top Gear‘s new host in 2015 after the BBC opted not to renew Jeremy Clarkson’s contract in the wake of his much-publicized “fracas” with a show producer.

Jeremy Clarkson subsequently signed up with streaming service Amazon Prime to present a new motoring show with Richard Hammond and James May, his former Top Gear co-presenters.