Matt LeBlanc thinks ‘Top Gear’ has the potential to remain on screen for another 40 years.
The popular motoring show – which was originally fronted by Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond – has been rocked with numerous issues over the past few years, but the former ‘Friends’ star is convinced the programme is strong enough to survive another two decades.
Speaking to Digital Spy, he said when asked if the show – which has been on air for 41 years – could last another 40: "Why not? It’s a timeless show. I wonder what they’ll be covering in 41 years? If we’re making flying cars, I’m sure ‘Top Gear’ will be talking about that.
"It’s a very strong brand. There will always be a place for it because human beings have a strong sense of independence, and the car gives you that. You start the car on your driveway and suddenly you’re the master of your own destiny. That’s a very human instinct.
"That’s why I’m not a fan of autonomous cars. I can see the point of them if you’ve had too much to drink at the pub and need a lift home. But I don’t think that’s what they’re designed for!"
The new instalment of the car show will hit screens on February 25 at 8pm on BBC Two as Matt and his co-stars Chris Harris and Rory Reid attempt to build the world’s fastest tractor, navigate America’s Wild West in shiny new V8 sports cars and attempt to land a NASA research plane.
Matt’s return won’t come as too much of a surprise to fans as the show’s boss Patrick Holland said last year that he loved the trio working together.
He said at the time: "The audience appreciation scores are far bigger than they were last year. The audience is much younger. It has had a real growth in under 34s and under 16s. The doubt at the beginning, the fear when a show comes back is will the audience grow to like this new presenting combo? And we are starting again this year. And I think they really have and Chris and Rory have grown and Matt has made it his own show. We are turning over a new leaf, I think Chris and Rory have been fantastic, I think Matt has really been terrific on the films. I think he really started to enjoy the studios more and more."
Matt LeBlanc thinks Top Gear will last at least another 40 years
