Matt LeBlanc was a shining light in an otherwise dismal series of Top Gear.
The former Friends actor was recruited to the BBC’s flagship motoring programme as a sidekick to hapless host Chris Evans.
But the American actor ended up being one of the sole positives from Top Gear’s first post-Clarkson-era series, which saw viewing figures tumbling from the outset.
It was panned by media and fans alike and the final episode actually had less viewers than the new series of Robot Wars.
But LeBlanc escaped much of the critics’ ire. So you’d think the BBC would be clamouring to tie down the 49-year-old, right?
Nope. LeBlanc hasn’t heard a thing from BBC bosses about whether he has a part to play in future series of the show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wn5TWR3MtI
While there has been wild speculation about who would take on the mantle as Top Gear host – with bookies taking bets on everyone from biker James Martin to F1 driver Jenson Button – it was assumed LeBlanc would just be the man to fill the role. Chris Evans was certainly plugging him.
But the man himself says that his future on the show is not set in stone – even though filming started on Series 24 in September.
He was asked about his future as a presenter on the car show during a Television Critics Association press tour panel for his upcoming comedy ‘Man With Plan in the US.
“I’m not sure what’s happening with ‘Top Gear’ just yet, but this is my priority,” he said.
According to the Mirror he was then asked if he expected to be part of the new series and he replied:Â “I don’t know. I’d like to. There’ nothing officially happening just yet — call the BBC.”
The clock is ticking, BBC.