Matt LeBlanc to host Top Gear with Chris Evans after Friends reunion

Matt LeBlanc joins production immediately with another cast member soon to be confirmed

Matt LeBlanc joins Chris Evans on the Top Gear line-up with another presenter still to be announced (BBC)

Friends star Matt LeBlanc will officially be joining Chris Evans as a presenter on the new Top Gear.

The BBC confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday morning, adding that it will be the first time a non-British host has led the show in its 39-year-history.

LeBlanc, best known for playing Joey in Friends, set the fastest celebrity lap time in the reasonably priced car on the former Top Gear hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

He recently presented the standalone spin-off Top Gear: The Races, where he reminded fans of the most memorable moments from the past 22 series.

LeBlanc has joined production immediately, with remaining cast members to be confirmed shortly.

“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!” LeBlanc said.

Chris Evans added: “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."