LeBlanc’s appointment marks the first time the show has ever had a non-British host in its 39-year history. The revamped show is expected to return in May.

The Golden Globe-winning star of Friends and Episodes has been a guest on the show twice and was the fastest celebrity to date around the Top Gear track in its reasonably priced car. LeBlanc also presented the recent standalone spin-off Top Gear: The Races, where he led fans through some of the most memorable racing moments from the previous 22 series.

Additional Top Gear cast members will be confirmed shortly.

Chris Evans said of his new Top Gear presenter: “Matt’s a lifelong fellow petrolhead and I’m thrilled he's 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. We can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to on screen later this year."

Matt LeBlanc commented: “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!”