Top Gear: First photo of Matt LeBlanc, Rory Reid and Chris Harris on set (with no Chris Evans)

'It was kinda funny'

LeBlanc hosting ‘Top Gear’

Work on the next season of Top Gear has officially begun, with Matt LeBlanc, Rory Reid and Chris Harris pictured together at the track in Dunsfold.

A picture of the trio laughing was uploaded to the official Top Gear Twitter account, LeBlanc writing on his social media account: “It was kinda funny.”

Whether the three presenters will function as a new Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May remains to be seen; as yet, it seems LeBlanc will remain the show’s primary host.

Notably absent was Chris Evans, who hosted the show’s last season but revealed soon after it finished that he would not be returning. Many commentators have pointed to Top Gear’s low ratings as a possible reason for his absence.

Less than a month ago, LeBlanc signed a reported £2 million deal with the BBC to return to their flagship motor show.

Patrick Holland, BBC Two Channel Editor, said at the time: "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.”

Meanwhile, the old Top Gear presenting trio are currently rolling forward with their Amazon Prime motoring show, titled The Grand Tour, the first trailer for which was released recently.