Matt LeBlanc is making a career gear change with his latest TV role.
After rising to fame as Joey in Friends and playing a version of himself in dark sitcom Episodes, he’s now taking on a tricky new challenge: Top Gear.
The actor is one of the new hosts on the motoring show reboot, tasked with living up to the legacy left by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. No pressure.
Speaking about filming on the new series, LeBlanc revealed that he couldn’t quite get away from his famous comedy character.
“Friends just follows me around,” he said. “I was recording a piece to the dashboard camera of the broken down car while being towed and driving past were two guys in a plumber’s truck who shouted out, ‘how you doin?’ We kept it in the show.”
The actor also spoke about the ‘UK versus USA’ race that features in the opening episode of the new series.
“We had to drive Renault Reliant Rialtos with the roofs cut off, which is great with the British weather, from London to Blackpool,” he explained.
Top Gear 2016: First Look
“Mine broke down about 10 times and I think Chris had it fixed because it’s UK versus USA, we’re in English cars – his is painted like the Union Jack and mine is the Stars and Stripes – and mine breaks down repeatedly and his runs like a clock! Go figure.”
See how the all-new series fares when it airs on Sunday May 29 on BBC Two.
BBC One, 10.35pm
