Paddy McGuinness and Andrew Flintoff to Host Top BBC Show Gear | Television and radio

Paddy McGuinness and Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff will host Top Gear next year, the BBC confirmed.

The host of Take Me Out and the former cricketer will succeed Matt LeBlanc, who announced earlier this year that he was leaving the auto show after four rounds.

McGuinness and Flintoff will join automotive journalist and car driver Chris Harris in the main programming. Rory Reid, the former co-host of BBC Two, will now host Top Gear, Extra Gear, along with Sabine Schmitz.

McGuinness said Top Gear's role was "a real honor and I'm glad the BBC gives me this opportunity." He added, "Organizing a show I've watched and loved since I was a little boy is more than exciting. Top Gear fans around the world are passionate and I consider myself one of them. Now, let's start this Great British machine and see what it can do! "

Flintoff said, "It's not often that you have the chance to do the two jobs of your dreams, but I have the chance to say it. I have always been passionate about cars and I am very happy to be part of the Top Gear Team. "

Harris, who has been Top Gear's lead since 2017, said of his new co-stars: "They are two brilliant and natural artists – and their mischief mixed with the most exciting cars on the planet will be missed. not to take the show. to the next level. The work of my dreams is even better. "

Friends star LeBlanc joined Top Gear in 2016, but chose to leave because of the demands of the role and the distance that separates him from his family and friends. His last series as the main host will be aired in early 2019.

The American actor was a surprise addition to the presentation troupe with Chris Evans two years ago, after the departure of previous hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Evans stopped after a single run.

McGuinness and Flintoff will begin filming their first series with Harris in early 2019, which will begin later in the year.

Patrick Holland, the BBC Two controller, said, "It's an exciting move from the Top Gear team and I appreciate what this trio is going to offer. Paddy and Freddie love their cars but, more than that, they will bring a new energy and a competitive spirit to Top Gear. "