At last something lovely’s come out of the rebooted series of ‘Top Gear’… for host Matt LeBlanc at least.
The US star is reported to be romancing producer Aurora Mulligan after meeting her on the set of the motoring show.
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The pair were pictured together at the weekend, enjoying the action at the Hickstead Derby in West Sussex, where The Sun reports that onlookers were naturally quick to remark on their “besotted” and “inseparable” body language.
While Matt's spokesperson previously confirmed there was nothing going on, a ‘Top Gear’ source has now “confirmed the pair are now more than friends” - dramatic contrast to the rumoured coldness between Matt and his co-host Chris Evans.
Matt LeBlanc is reportedly tired of his co-host Chris Evans' chippiness
BBC
Reports surfaced over the weekend that Matt LeBlanc had issued ‘Top Gear‘ bosses with an ultimatum over Chris Evans, telling them: “It’s him or me.”
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The former ‘Friends‘ star is said to have told producers of the BBC Two motoring show he will quit unless the Radio 2 DJ is axed.
The Sun has claimed Matt has grown increasingly tired of Chris’ behaviour and attitude towards him and the rest of the presenting team on set.
The declining popularity of one of the BBC's biggest shows is presenting the broadcaster with an enormous headache - while Matt is undoubtedly proving more popular with viewers, Chris remains one of its biggest stars, also helming the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, which remains the most popular radio show in the country.
Tap the first picture to open the slideshow:
25 March 2015
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The BBC announces Jeremy Clarkson’s contract will not be renewed, following a fracas involving a cold dinner on location, and a punched producer. "A line has been crossed," said the BBC's statement.
24 April 2015
Matt Jelonek via Getty Images
Richard Hammond joins James May in confirming they won't be back either, the team comes as a trio.
16 June 2015
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The BBC reveals their Radio 2 breakfast show host Chris Evans will be leading the new team.
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30 July 2015
Matt Jelonek via Getty Images
AmazonPrime reveals they’ve signed up Clarkson and co for an online motoring show, with a reported £10million/year package, with the series set to debut later in 2016.
28 November 2015
Frederick M. Brown via Getty Images
Chris Evans reveals the show's debut date of 8 May, with an eight-episode series planned.
22 December 2015
Barcroft via Getty Images
‘Top Gear’ producer Lisa Clark departs the team abruptly, saying she is to "pursue other projects", but wishes the team well.
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23 December 2015
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She is swiftly followed out of the door by script editor Tom Ford.
4 February 2016
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Matt LeBlanc is confirmed as a fellow presenter.
11 February 2016
BBC
Rory Reid, Sabine Schmitz, Chris Harris and Eddie Jordan all confirmed to join.
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26 February 2016
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The BBC announces a fresh debut date of 22 May, with six episodes scheduled instead of eight.
19 January 2016
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BBC Two commissioner Kim Shillinglaw, who has been overseeing the relaunch of the show, announces she will be leaving her role. Due to a re-organisation at the BBC, there will be no one to replace her, meaning Chris Evans will report directly to the Controller of Channels, Jane Moore.
10 February 2016
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Matt LeBlanc confirms that he has signed to a US sitcom 'I'm Not Your Friend', leading to concern that he may have stretched himself too thin for 'Top Gear' duties.
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13 March 2016
PA
Veterans complain about the ‘Top Gear’ team filming stunts, creating donut turns and speed dust, in London’s Whitehall, with shots including footage of the country’s most revered war memorial, the Cenotaph.
14 March 2016
Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images
Chris Evans makes a public apology for the team’s actions, while adding, “This isn't a shoot I'm particularly involved in." And takes to wearing pyjamas to work.
The show receives a major boost with news that streaming service Netflix has bought rights to distribute the show internationally, thus bringing the new series to a potential 75 million subscribers.
13 April 2016
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The atmosphere on set is said to be “frosty” following Chris Evans’ continuing fury over the Cenotaph stunt.
Apart from that...
BBC
It's all been smooth sailing. We wait for 22 May with bated breath.
