Matt Leblanc Will Return as ‘Top Gear' Host in 2017

The U.S. actor and "Friends" star Matt LeBlanc will return as host of "Top Gear" next year.

According to BBC, Chris Harris and Rory Reid will join LeBlanc, along with regular appearances by Eddie Jordan, Sabine Schmitz and Stid, the anonymous driver in a helmet.

When LeBlanc was cast in February, It marked the first time the popular driving program has included a non-British host in its 39-year history.

BBC executives said the "Friends" star has connected hearts with "Top Gear" followers.

According to Mark Linsey, the director of BBC Studios, "Matt was hugely popular with 'Top Gear' viewers last series with his humor, warmth and obvious passion for cars and for the show, so I couldn't be more delighted that he's agreed to come back and do more for us."

LeBlanc will go on without former co-host Chris Evans, who resigned in July.

There were rumors of tension between LeBlanc and Evans. However, Evans has previously written in the Mail his high regard and tribute to LeBlanc in his professionalism on set.

"For me, he is the man. He is the captain Top Gear truly needs going forward, the perfect torso for the rest of TG's limbs," Evans wrote.

"Not only does he eat, sleep, breathe and dream engines, propshafts and trail-braking, but the overwhelming quality that struck me about him is that he's just such a pro," he added.

"Top Gear" is one of the British broadcaster's most valuable global brands generating an estimated £150 million ($225.8 million) in revenue for the BBC's commercial arm in 2014, according to British media reports.

"Top Gear" was previously fronted by Jeremy Clarkson; but after striking a producer last year, the BBC decided not to renew his contract.

Even though there are no charges were filed against the lead presenter, the disorder caused by the incident was enough for Clarkson to be given the boot.

Jeremy Clarkson and his other two "Top Gear" veteran colleagues, Richard Hammond and James May, will debut the "Grand Tour", a driving show, on Amazon in November