Matt LeBlanc In 2-Series Deal To Host ‘Top Gear’

LONDON (AP) — The BBC says former “Friends” star Matt LeBlanc has signed a two-series deal to host its popular car show “Top Gear.”

The broadcaster announced Monday that LeBlanc will front the program when it returns for a 24th series in 2017.

LeBlanc was one of two hosts when “Top Gear” was relaunched in May after the loss of its longstanding team of presenters. His co-host, Chris Evans, quit in July after the show drew lackluster ratings and lukewarm reviews.

A mix of humor, stunts and automotive advice, “Top Gear” became a global hit under presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

The trio left last year after an off-set dustup in which Clarkson punched a producer. They are hosting a new car show, “The Grand Tour,” on Amazon Prime.