Jump directly to the content
ON LOCATION

Matt LeBlanc films scenes for the new series of Top Gear on the Isle of Man

The actor-turned-presenter was snapped with huge all-terrain vehicle as he got back behind the camera

Matt LeBlanc films scenes for the new series of Top Gear on the Isle of Man

MATT LeBlanc has been snapped taking on a huge all-terrain vehicle as he filmed scenes for the new series of Top Gear yesterday.

The former Friends star was seen on location on the Isle of Man filming next to a Russian eight-wheeled Avtoros Shaman.

 Matt LeBlanc films scenes for the new series of Top Gear on the Isle of Man
4
 Matt LeBlanc films scenes for the new series of Top Gear on the Isle of ManCredit: PA:Press Association

The huge vehicle dwarfed the star as he filmed pieces to camera, wrapped up warm against the cold October weather in a blue puffa jacket.

And he couldn’t resist trying the vehicle out for size as he climbed inside and poked his head up through the latch.

Matt returns to the BBC show having signed a two-series deal to host it despite the departure of main host Chris Evans soon after the first series of the reboot ended in July.

 He was doing a segment about a Russian eight-wheeled Avtoros Shaman
4
He was doing a segment about a Russian eight-wheeled Avtoros ShamanCredit: PA:Press Association

Evans quit the show after one series, saying he gave it his best shot but it was “not enough”.

After he resigned, Chris said Matt is the “captain” that the show needs going forward and should remain on the show, dismissing reports that the pair’s relationship had broken down amid flagging audience numbers.

 How YOU doing?
4
How YOU doing?Credit: PA:Press Association

But Matt, 49, revealed that he didn’t know Evans had quit until he read it in the press.

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."

But LeBlanc happily agreed to return to front the show and will be joined by Chris Harris and Rory Reid, with regular appearances from Eddie Jordan, Sabine Schmitz and The Stig.

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

 Matt co-hosted the show with Chris Evans who quit at the end of the first series of the reboot
4
Matt co-hosted the show with Chris Evans who quit at the end of the first series of the rebootCredit: BBC

"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."

Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220

Topics