Following Chris Evans’ departure from the re-launched Clarkson-less Top Gear last July, the host’s role on the show has remained empty. There was strong speculation that Matt LeBlanc, the second-in-command, would step up and take his place. Today, that news is confirmed.
LeBlanc is indeed returning to host the show when it airs for its new season next year, reports BBC. Also joining him, and seemingly moving out of supporting roles and more into main presenter roles, will be Chris Harris and Rory Reid.
“Regular appearances” from Eddie Jordan, Sabine Schmitz and The Stig are in the works as well. From the story:
Mark Linsey, Director, BBC Studios says: “Matt was hugely popular with Top Gear viewers last series with his humour, warmth and obvious passion for cars and for the show, so I couldn’t be more delighted that he’s agreed to come back and do more for us.”
This pretty much confirms the obvious for us, because LeBlanc, Harris and Reid each demonstrated on-camera prowess last season. With Evans gone, hopefully these three will be able to bring Top Gear out of the shadow of Clarkson, May and Hammond.