Top Gear's Matt LeBlanc Throws Presenting Future Into Doubt, Admitting He's Unsure Of Return

'There’s nothing officially happening just yet - call the BBC.'
|

Matt LeBlanc has admitted he is unsure if he will return for the next series of ‘Top Gear’. 

It had been thought the former ‘Friends’ star would become the BBC Two motoring show’s main host, following the departure of Chris Evans last month. 

However, Matt has now through his future with the programme into doubt, claiming that his new US sitcom ‘Man With A Plan’ is his priority. 

Open Image Modal
Matt LeBlanc is unsure if he will return to 'Top Gear'
Maarten de Boer via Getty Images

Speaking at Television Critics Association press panel in Los Angeles on Wednesday (10 August), he said: “I’m not sure what’s happening with ‘Top Gear’ just yet, but this is my priority.

“I don’t know [if I will return]. I’d like to. There’s nothing officially happening just yet - call the BBC.”

Matt was part of the seven-strong presenting line-up when ‘Top Gear’ was relaunched in May, following the departure of previous hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond

The rebooted version of the show suffered declining viewing figures and received a critical mauling, resulting in Chris Evans stepping down after just one series. 

Open Image Modal
Chris Evans stepped down from 'Top Gear' last month
BBC

It had been thought filming on the next series was due to start next month.

Tap the image below to launch the slideshow...

'Top Gear': Possible Replacements For Chris Evans
Nigel Farage(01 of15)
Open Image Modal
A pint-loving smoker who has his head stuck in the 1940s previously proved to be a success on the show, so why not employ someone exactly the same person?

Nigel Farage has virtually the same political views as Clarkson, so he'd probably be a good fit. Plus he's in technically unemployed now that he's resigned as UKIP leader.
(credit:Isabel Infantes/EMPICS Entertainment)
Guy Martin(02 of15)
Open Image Modal
The motorcycle racer has already emerged as the bookies' favourite to succeed Chris, with odds of 8/1 with William Hill. (credit:Channel 4)
Katie Hopkins(03 of15)
Open Image Modal
If you're looking for someone who doesn't mind being purposefully offensive, look no further than Katie Hopkins. The controversy magnet hits the headlines more often than all the 'Top Gear' stars put together, normally because she's offended someone/a large group of people. (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Piers Morgan(04 of15)
Open Image Modal
If you've ever seen one of Piers' epic Twitter spats with Clarkson, you'll know he's remarkably similar in many ways. The same fashion sense, a similarly smug face, and all the rest of it. (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Suzi Perry(05 of15)
Open Image Modal
She's a massive car nut and has already cut her chops hosting the BBC's Formula One coverage, plus it's about time we evened up the gender ratio on the show. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Kanye West(06 of15)
Open Image Modal
Potentially the only ego bigger than Chris Evans'. Or Clarkson's. (credit:Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
Angela Rippon(07 of15)
Open Image Modal
She did so well presenting it in 1977, why not bring her back? (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Steve Coogan(08 of15)
Open Image Modal
The veteran radio host's alter ego Steve Coogan is quite the petrol-head, having appeared on the show several times. But wouldn't it be great for the man from Norwich to take you around the 'Top Gear' track whining about "POWERRRR" is his trademark nasal voice? (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Matthew Perry(09 of15)
Open Image Modal
Because you doesn't want to see an on-screen reunion of Friends' Chandler and Joey, right? (credit:Ian West/PA Wire)
James Martin(10 of15)
Open Image Modal
The telly chef, who is a big car fan, admitted he had talks about joining the BBC car show last year, but was tied to his commitments with 'Saturday Kitchen'. However, he's now quit his role as host of the cookery show, which could pave the way nicely for him to finally land the job. (credit:Hannah McKay/PA Wire)
Philip Glenister(11 of15)
Open Image Modal
The 'Life On Mars' star was strongly rumoured to be joining Chris Evans last year, but the rumours proved to be unfounded. This could be his chance. (credit:Joel Ryan/AP)
David Hasselhoff(12 of15)
Open Image Modal
The Hoff admitted he'd "love" the gig when it was up for grabs last time around, and he does have all that experience driving KITT in 'Knight Rider'. (credit:David Davies/PA Archive)
Jake Humphrey(13 of15)
Open Image Modal
Jake has already fronted F1 coverage for the BBC and is a regular on the sport presenting scene, so is more than qualified for the job. (credit:Richard Sellers/EMPICS Sport)
John Inverdale(14 of15)
Open Image Modal
Who better to take over from Clarkson's controversy-laden style than the man who brought us "rose-c***ed spectacles"? (credit:Mike Egerton/PA Archive)
Boris Johnson(15 of15)
Open Image Modal
Well, he could do with a job. (credit:Matt Dunham/AP)

Before You Go