TwitterTop Gear is getting a little help from a famous friend this season when Matt LeBlanc joins the show as part of the revamp. This is the first time the BBC series has had a non-British host in its 39-year history.
"As a car nut and a massive fan of Top Gear, I'm honored and excited to be a part of this iconic show's new chapter," LeBlanc said in a statement. "What a thrill!"
LeBlanc previously guest starred on the show twice before and previously hosted the spinoff Top Gear: The Races. He joins Chris Evans (no, not Captain America) and more cast members who will be announced at a later date.
Hey everyone,I'm really honored and looking forward to working on Top Gear with @achrisevans , damn he's tall. pic.twitter.com/XGrcLP0NCl
? Matt LeBlanc (@Matt_LeBlanc) February 4, 2016
"Matt's a lifelong fellow petrolhead and I'm thrilled he's joining Top Gear," Evans said in a statement. "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."
After his 10-year turn on Friends—and that little Joey spinoff many would like to forget—LeBlanc went on to star in Episodes on Showtime. He earned a Golden Globe for that role. LeBlanc can next be seen reuniting with his Friends co-stars on NBC's Must-See TV: An All Star Tribute to James Burrows, airing Feb. 21 at 9 p.m.
Top Gear dropped former host Jeremy Clarkson in March 2015, a move that surprised fans. Co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May also exited the series.
"Matt is a class act and a brilliant signing for Top Gear," Alan Tyler, BBC's acting controller for entertainment commissioning, said in a statement. "He is a self-confessed car fanatic with a passion for the program. I'm really looking forward to watching Chris and Matt bring the all new show to our audiences."