New 'Top Gear' Host Matt LeBlanc Talks Cars, TV and British Weather
The former "Friends" star joins the hit British show.
— -- Actor Matt LeBlanc will become the first non-British host of "Top Gear" in May, joining British radio and television presenter Chris Evans and four other guest presenters.
In an interview with ABC News earlier this month in London, Matt LeBlanc and Chris Evans talked cars, described working together and shared their hopes for the new show.
“It didn’t take much convincing,” LeBlanc told ABC News regarding his decision to accept the role. “I was really flattered and honored, and if they think that I’m qualified to come and help carry the torch, then I’ll do my best.”
LeBlanc said he had always been a fan of the show, learning about new cars, discovering new countries and cultures. “It’s the kind of thing I would pay to go and do,” the comedian said.
The award-winning actor known for playing Joey in "Friends" had a mechanic father who taught him how to fix cars at a young age. LeBlanc started riding motorcycles when he was 8 and learned to drive when he was 12. He remembers having to use a stool to reach a toolbox and taking apart the lawnmower when he was just a kid.
Evans said he was excited to work with his new co-host.
“Matt sprinkles his very magic dust and all seems to come to life. The way he does things, and what he can do with a line or a scene is so educational to us. It’s very exciting to be around,” he said.
The chemistry between both presenters will be an important driver of the show and the pair have already started teasing each other: “There are certain things that happened on Blackpool promenade...we were in two separate vehicles and we agreed not to start until a certain signal was given and one of us did start before the signal was given," Evans said, adding, “and that wasn’t me.”
"Comedy is to me the ultimate Band-Aid for humanity,” LeBlanc added. “I like to be part of things that are funny. Drama is boring to me.”
The first episode was filmed in England and LeBlanc said it was like being in Oscar-winning movie "The Revenant."
"You'll get cold just by watching it," Evans added.
The BBC, who broadcasts the show in the UK, said in a statement that “LeBlanc’s international appeal has never been stronger."
The challenge for the new presenters will be to retain the show’s credibility, Evans said, and making sure he and LeBlanc deliver a show “worthy of the 'Top Gear' audience.”
Many have raised doubts over the show’s ability to survive after the departure of former presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. Clarkson was removed from the show following an incident involving producer Oisin Tymon. Last week, Clarkson and the BBC settled a racial discrimination and personal injury claim made by Tymon.
The former presenters are currently filming a rival show to air on Amazon TV.
Both Evans and LeBlanc are convinced that the show “is bigger than its presenters.”
“There’s a part of me that wishes they were still doing 'Top Gear,'” LeBlanc said. “I loved the dynamic between the three (former presenters), but we’ll do our best to not reinvent the wheel but sort of put a new tire on the same wheel and let it roll down the road a little further.”
BBC America will broadcast season 23 of Top Gear in the United States starting in May 2016.
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