BBC 'Top Gear' premiere date: Matt LeBlanc of 'Friends' fame gets in the front seat as new host

Matt LeBlanc of "Friends" fame was confirmed to be one of the new hosts for British motoring television show "Top Gear." LeBlanc will be taking turns maneuvering from the driver's seat with "TFI Friday" presenter Chris Evans, in an overhaul of the long-running show that talks primarily of motor cars.

"As a car nut and a massive fan of 'Top Gear,' I'm honored and excited to be a part of this iconic show's new chapter," the 48-year-old former sitcom star was quoted in the "Top Gear" website.

"What a thrill!" he added.

Evans, who is in for a three-year haul after signing last year, was enthusiastic about being paired with the American comedian in a motoring show that has set the bar for being eccentric and chiefly tongue-in-cheek. The show is noted for its amazing stunts and challenges that it offers to its well-known guests.

"Matt's a lifelong fellow petrolhead and I'm thrilled he's joining 'Top Gear.' Acting out our craziest car notions on screen is a dream job and I know we'll both be debating some epic road trip ideas," Evans said.

LeBlanc, who played the affable Joey Tribbiani in "Friends," was subjected to a driving task when he appeared on the show back in 2012.

In October, it was reported that the 49-year-old "Radio 1 Breakfast Show" host will be running the show in front of the camera on his own. However, aside from Evans and LeBlanc, a couple of other lesser-known personalities will probably be taking a spin in the next season of "Top Gear." In December 2015, it was announced on The Telegraph that German racing driver Sabin Schmitz, Formula One star David Coulthard, and automotive journalist Chris Harris are also being signed up for "Top Gear."

The new edition of "Top Gear'' premieres in May.