Matt LeBlanc confirmed for Top Gear 2017: BBC statement in full

After losing Bake Off's Paul Hollywood to Channel 4, the Beeb was reportedly keen not to lose more talent

(BBC WORLDWIDE)

Amid rumours of a very lucrative deal, the BBC has confirmed that Matt LeBlanc will return to Top Gear in 2017 despite the recent departure of Chris Evans.

The broadcaster issued the following press release:

'It was confirmed today that Matt LeBlanc will return to host Top Gear with a new series set to air on BBC Two and globally next year. LeBlanc will be joined by Chris Harris and Rory Reid with regular appearances from Eddie Jordan, Sabine Schmitz and The Stig.

Having proved a big hit with viewers when he co-hosted the most recent series of Top Gear, American iconic actor LeBlanc has agreed a two series deal with the BBC.

Patrick Holland, Channel Editor, BBC Two says: "I am thrilled that Matt LeBlanc is returning to Top Gear. He's a huge talent whose love of cars is infectious. I can't wait for the series to return to BBC Two next year."

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."

Top Gear series 24 returns to BBC Two next year. Clare Pizey is executive producer and Alex Renton is series editor.'

The statement suggests that Chris Harris and Rory Reid will be bumped up to co-hosts, which would create a trio dynamic in the image of Clarkson, Hammond and May. It's not impossible that the BBC will still announce a replacement for Chris Evans instead, but with filming set to commence soon it is running out of time.

The revamped Top Gear got a mixed reception in 2016, and in 2017 faces a new challenge as Clarkson, Hammond and May's Amazon show The Grand Tour will be up and running - launching on 18 November.