It is confirmed that Matt LeBlanc will continue to host "Top Gear" as he signs a 2-series deal with BBC. Hosting with LeBlanc is Rory Reid and Chris Harris. The show will also regularly feature Sabine Schmitz, Eddie Jordan, and The Stig. Chris Evans has stepped down from the show after just one season.
According to the director of BBC Studios, Mark Linsey, "Matt was hugely popular with Top Gear viewers last series with his humor, warmth and obvious passion for cars and for the show, so I couldn't be more delighted that he's agreed to come back and do more for us." BBC Two editor, Patrick Holland also said they are thrilled about LeBlanc's return to the show. "He's a huge talent whose love of cars is infectious."
As for Harris and Reid, the two will not only appear on LeBlanc's main BBC Two show but also continue with BBC Three show's "Extra Gear"
Since the show is partly paid by BBC Worldwide, the deal is not paid exclusively for the TV license fee which also means the actor's salary will not be disclosed by the company. Under the new corporation's new 11-year royal charter, the only time a salary must be revealed is if it's over £150,000 a year.
The show's last season became controversial when Evans decided to step down from the show allegedly because of his relationship with LeBlanc. Evans announced his departure and even said the series proved that Top Gear and LeBlanc "were made for each other". LeBlanc is "the man" and a "total mensch" Evans added.
Evan's departure from the show was followed by declining ratings from 4.4 million viewers to 1.9 million. In one of Evan's interview, he said working with Top Gear has been an "honor, privilege, and pleasure" but it's probably not meant to be.
