Matt LeBlanc decided he doesn’t fancy driving supercars anymore and will leave BBC’s car show Top Gear after next season. According to LeBlanc, who joined the show in 2016, demanding nature of the show caused him to make this decision.
“My experience on Top Gear has been great fun,” said LeBlanc in a statement. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the whole team. However, the time commitment and extensive travel required to present Top Gear takes me away from my family and friends more than I’m comfortable with. It’s unfortunate, but for these reasons, I will not be continuing my involvement with the show.”
“I will forever be a Top Gear fan, and I wish the team continued success. Thanks for a great drive,” he added.
Conceived by presenter Jeremy Clarkson and producer Andy Wilman, Top Gear originally premiered in 2002 and quickly became one of the most watched programs dedicated to cars on television. After Clarkson made an incident during the filming of season 22, BBC decided not to renew his contract. The network decided to bring in radio and television host Chris Evans and Friends’ star Matt LeBlanc as main presenters for the next series with Rory Reid, Sabine Schmitz, Chris Harris and Eddie Jordan making occasional appearances as co-presenters. Following the negative reception of this presenting line-up, Evans departed the show at the 23rd season.
After he leaves Top Gear, Matt LeBlanc will keep himself busy with CBS’ sitcom Man with a Plan, in which he plays the lead role and that was recently renewed for season three.
