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IN THE DARK

Matt LeBlanc didn’t know his former co-host Chris Evans was quitting Top Gear – until he read it

The former Friends star has signed on for another series of the BBC motoring show without Chris by his side

Danny defended pal Chris Evans over his ill-fated spell on TV motoring show Top Gear

MATT LeBlanc had no idea his Top Gear co-star had quit - until he read it in the papers.

The former Friends star signed up to the revamped show alongside the 50-year-old last year, but the programme received a lukewarm reception from viewers and critics following its debut in May.

Matt LeBlanc didn't know his Top Gear co-star Chris Evans had quit the show until he read it in the papers
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Matt LeBlanc didn't know his Top Gear co-star Chris Evans had quit the show until he read it in the papersCredit: BBC

Following the end of the series, Chris announced he would not be returning to the franchise, despite previously signing a three-year deal, but the presenter failed to inform his co-star of his decision prior to the news.

Speaking to , he said: "To be honest, I didn't know he was quitting (the show). I found out like everyone else.

"I read it in a paper and I thought, 'Hmm... I wonder if I'm going to get a phone call about this?' I didn't know anything about it."

The pair hosted the revamped show in May, but Chris was heavily criticised
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The pair hosted the revamped show in May, but Chris was heavily criticisedCredit: BBC

However, Chris' departure didn't put Matt off agreeing to return for a second series - reportedly for a £2 million deal.

He explained: "I'm excited. The show seems to be surrounded by huge controversy, and I don't really know why.

The former Friends star has signed back on to host the second series
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The former Friends star has signed back on to host the second seriesCredit: PA:Press Association

"Maybe it's because of the history of the show - but boy, being on that show is like being in a fish bowl. Everybody is after you.

"Everybody is waiting for you to put a foot wrong and that's tough but, you know, I like cars. I know a little bit about cars. I can say some funny things about cars. Hopefully people will watch it."

Matt has reportedly signed a £2 million deal to return to the show
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Matt has reportedly signed a £2 million deal to return to the showCredit: PA:Press Association

While Chris was heavily criticised for his approach to hosting the show - having taken over from Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond - fans and critics were much kinder to Matt, and were delighted earlier earlier this month when the star posted a picture from the set.

Of what viewers can expect second time around, the actor added: "When it comes to what will be different in the show, they are still working out the rough edges about what will change because Chris had creative control on the show before.

"I'm not really sure what's going to happen. [Producer] Alex Renton is in charge now and he's a very competent guy. He's a very smart guy and I trust him. We'll see how it goes."

 

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