Matt LeBlanc has signed a new contract with the BBC to host Top Gear for two more series when it returns next year.

The ex-Friends star is due to return to helm the BBC motoring show and will reportedly be joined in the studio by co-hosts and motoring journalists Chris Harris and Rory Reid.

It’s estimated that LeBlanc’s contract is worth around £1.5 million, with some reports suggesting the BBC moved swiftly to secure the deal after losing the Great British Bake Off to Channel 4.

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LeBlanc’s contract will also see the majority of his salary paid through the BBC’s commercial arm BBC Worldwide, allowing the star to circumvent proposed legislation that would make his salary public.

BBC2 channel editor Patrick Holland said: “I am thrilled that Matt LeBlanc is returning to Top Gear. He’s a huge talent whose love of cars is infectious. I can’t wait for the series to return to BBC2 next year.”

LeBlanc had been expected to return to host Top Gear following the departure of former co-host Chris Evans, who quit after just a single series amid poor critical reception and viewership figures.

LeBlanc "a huge talent"

A report from Variety earlier this year claimed that the BBC was not looking to replace Evans, with BBC Studios director Mark Linsey simply saying that “the right people remain”.

Eddie Jordan, Sabine Schmitz and the Stig are also all set to return for the 24th series of Top Gear, which is expected to begin shooting this autumn.

Suffering motoring show withdrawal symptoms? Find out all you need to know about The Grand Tour here