Matt LeBlanc has officially signed a new contract with the BBC to host the next two series of the car show, following the departure of Chris Evans.
LeBlanc proved to be a hit with viewers, although the same could not be said for Evans, who attracted widespread criticism after taking over Jeremy Clarkson’s role in the popular show. LeBlanc will be joined by Chris Harris and Rory Reid, along with regular appearances from Eddie Jordan, Sabine Schmitz and series stalwart The Stig.
The former Friends actor is set to begin recording the next series of the show in the coming weeks, with it being reported that this new deal could have netted him a pay check in the region of £2 million. BBC Two editor Patrick Holland said: “I am thrilled Matt LeBlanc is returning to Top Gear. He’s a huge talent whose love of cars is infectious,” adding: “I can’t wait for the series to return to BBC Two next year.”
Although many praised LeBlanc’s appearance on the show, the lack of chemistry between the actor and radio DJ Evans made the previous season of the show a tough watch, leading to massively declining ratings. Evans stepped down from the role following its last episode, with many calling for LeBlanc to take over as its main host. He was rumoured to have been paid £500,000 by the BBC, so if true this pay increase is a significant step up for the actor.
But despite LeBlanc’s substantial pay rise it still pales in comparison to what Amazon is reportedly paying Jeremy Clarkson, who is said to be earning £800,000 per episode for his upcoming show The Grand Tour, which will be exclusively to Amazon’s streaming service Instant Video. Clarkson will be joined by his former Top Gear co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May on the show.
