THE launch of the BBC’s revamped Top Gear has been far from a smooth ride and
Matt LeBlanc has revealed when things get “really crazy” he and
Chris Evans use a stuntman.
The pair were chosen to replace former presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May
and Richard Hammond though since taking on their posts, their relationship had broken down after Matt’s
disrespectful “donut” stunt at the Cenotaph.
The actor has now revealed they can’t hack some of the nail-biting antics
themselves – but insisted he would still trounce flame-haired Chris in a
race.
Talking of the show, which starts on Sunday, Matt said: “I’m not going to
pretend I do all my own stunts.
“I do as much as I’m comfortable with. When it gets really crazy, I have a
stunt driver. That’s no secret.
“Insurance companies are involved. If something calls for real precision
driving, I let someone else do it.”
Meanwhile Radio 2 host Chris admitted to the Radio Times he had “never
raced” despite the fact he loved cars.
In April, the Sun revealed things were at breaking point between the pair
after Matt’s stunt outside the war memorial in London was deemed in bad
taste.
Chris – who apparently never wanted Matt on board – blames the funnyman for
the scene becoming a PR disaster.
A source said: “Matt was never Chris’s choice — it was a decision forced upon
him to attract the US market.
“He accepted it and was desperate to strike up a bond when they were filming,
but the spark just wasn’t there. Since the Cenotaph, their relationship’s
deteriorated. Chris thinks Matt severely damaged the brand.
“Behind the scenes it’s very frosty between them.”
Chris, 50, then spoke out to say sorry.
Speaking on his Radio 2 breakfast show Chris, who took over presenting the
show after Jeremy Clarkson was sacked for hitting a producer, said: “I
would like to apologise unreservedly.”
Matt, 48, seemed to hint at the competitive streak underpinning their
relationship.
He admitted they were both “car fans” yet confidently : “He’s an extremely smart guy.
“I’d beat him in a race though – and you can tell him I said that.”
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The screen star, famed for playing Joey Tribbiani in the American sitcom has
taken his Top Gear duties out of office hours.
He was spotted meeting up with one of the show’s pretty assistant producers
Aurora Mulligan at London’s swanky Royal Garden Hotel – yet his spokesperson
has insisted their relationship is purely professional.
As he took a break from filming with Aurora, 31, an onlooker : “They were getting on like a house on fire and they appeared
to have a lot to talk about.”
Images show Aurora with a beaming grin as she stood alongside Matt, who looked
sharp in a checked green tartan jacket.
His companion’s dazzling smile was clear from the outset as she pulled down
her hood to enter the building.
Matt’s spokesperson issued a comment and said: “I don’t generally speak about
my client’s personal relationships but this is strictly a work relationship.”
Meanwhile Aurora, who worked on the hit programme with axed host Jeremy
Clarkson, declined to comment.
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