Matt LeBlanc is the new co-host of 'Top Gear'

Former Friends star Matt LeBlanc has been named as the new co-host of the top-rating BBC motoring show Top Gear, the first time a non-British presenter has appeared on the programme in its 39-year history.

The 48-year-old actor will join Chris Evans when the new series premieres in May, following his recent cameos on the program, which included a spin with The Stig in a McLaren MP4-12. LeBlanc has also presented the standalone spin-off Top Gear: The Races.

“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,” said LeBlanc in a statement.

“What a thrill!”

Calling LeBlanc a “lifelong fellow petrolhead,” Evans said he was also “thrilled” to learn the actor was joining Top Gear.

“Acting out our craziest car notions on screen is a dream job and I know we’ll both be debating some epic road trip ideas,” he said.

“We can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to on screen later this year,” he added.

LeBlanc, who appears later this month in a special Friends reunion, had teased the news with his Twitter fans this week.

“Hey guys, very cool news coming in the next day or so. Stay tuned,” he wrote.

Hey guys, very cool news coming in the next day or so. Stay tuned.

— Matt LeBlanc (@Matt_LeBlanc) February 4, 2016

My new Top Gear Friends. More to come #TopGear pic.twitter.com/zoGj1cwdNy

— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) February 4, 2016

Production on the new series was reported to have commenced immediately.

Matt LeBlanc is the new co-host of ‘Top Gear’

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