Matt LeBlanc will leave Top Gear after the next series

BBC Studios has confirmed that Matt LeBlanc will be leaving Top Gear after series 26 airs later this year.

Matt joined the world’s biggest motoring show as a co-host in 2016 and this will be his fourth series. His tenure on the show has seen him traverse the globe to bring the world’s most exciting cars to our screens and test himself to the limit with challenges that have ranged from helping NASA land a priceless research plane, and becoming Top Gear’s very own 007 to building the world’s fastest tractor.

Matt LeBlanc said:  “My experience on Top Gear has been great fun. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the whole team. However, the time commitment and extensive travel required to present Top Gear takes me away from my family and friends more than I’m comfortable with. It’s unfortunate, but for these reasons I will not be continuing my involvement with the show.

"I will forever be a Top Gear fan and I wish the team continued success. Thanks for a great drive.”

Patrick Holland, Controller BBC Two said: “I want to thank the fabulous Matt LeBlanc for being a brilliant co-host on Top Gear. Matt has thrown himself into the show with real passion, revealing his extraordinary car knowledge and a willingness to get down and dirty. We were always going to be borrowing him from his day job as one of the top comic actors in Hollywood so I wish him all the very best. The next series of Top Gear (Matt’s last) promises to be something very special and we have great plans to welcome a new co-host to join the team for 2019 and beyond.”