Top Gear LOSES Matt LeBlanc – Hollywood Star quits after four series

Matt LeBlanc has quit Top Gear after just four series, with the politicians excuse that he wants to spend more time with family and friends. 

Top Gear – the world’s favourite car show – has gone through some trials and tribulations in recent years, from the departure of Clarkson, Hammond and May, through the rather messy failed Chris Evans series. But it seemed to be back on track.

That Top Gear was back on track is probably down to the laid back charm, and obvious 98 octane blood, of former Friends star Matt LeBlanc, perhaps an unlikely Top Gear host on the face of it, but one who has proved able to banter and depart knowledge in a warm, friendly and appealing way. But now LeBlanc is going home.

Using the politician’s ‘I want to spend more time with family and friends’ excuse for leaving (although in Matt’s case it may be true), LeBlanc’s last series of Top Gear will be the next on air, and then the search starts for a new host. But who will that be?

True, LeBlanc isn’t the only host, but just as Clarkson was (and Evans failed to be) Matt is the lead host with Harris and Reid the support act. So it’s not so easy.

What makes it more difficult is Top Gear’s global audience, an audience which grew up with Clarkson et al, and had watched Friends from birth, so familiarity was a big plus. But is the only option another American star? Or is there anyone from this side of the Pond who’s a fit?