‘Top Gear’ will return to screens in less than three weeks’ time.
BBC Two bosses have confirmed the popular motoring show will make its long-awaited return to the channel on March 5 with a new line-up featuring Matt LeBlanc, Chris Harris and Rory Reid following the shock departure of main host Chris Evans, 35, last year.
The news was announced on the series’ official Twitter account on Tuesday (14.02.17) alongside a photo of the presenting trio surrounded by flash fast cars and a helicopter.
The tweet read: "Confirmed: all new #TopGear launches Sunday 5 March. See you there (sic)."
Producers are hoping the new presenting line-up will give its rival ‘The Grand Tour’, which is hosted by ‘Top Gear’s former team Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, a run for its money after the Amazon series only managed to bring in 2.3 million UK viewers last year.
And Matt – who is known for his role in ‘Friends’ – Chris and Rory should have no trouble putting on a good show as they certainly have plenty on experience after they were brought on board the series last year in order to support Chris before he walked out over the fan backlash he received.
Patrick Holland, editor at BBC Two, told the Daily Star newspaper: "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."
And, in a subtle dig at Chris – who walked out just one year into his three-year contract – bosses have decided to wipe all traces of him by ditching the drastic changes he made last year.
The Star in a Rallycross Car segment, which the radio DJ introduced when he took over the hosting duties from Jeremy, James and Richard, has been scrapped, while his beloved Mini Cooper has been replaced with a Toyota GT86 for celebrities to whiz around in.
A source explained to The Sun newspaper: "The GT86 is brilliant to drive but also risky. This time the celebs will be taught by both Chris Harris and The Stig so they will be in safe hands."
Top Gear will return on March 5
