Take Me Out host and former cricketer will replace Matt LeBlanc on the motoring show

Paddy McGuinness and Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff will host Top Gear from next year, the BBC has confirmed.

The Take Me Out host and the former cricketer will take over from Matt LeBlanc, who earlier this year announced he was leaving the motoring show after four series.

McGuinness and Flintoff will join the motoring journalist and racing driver Chris Harris in the main presenting lineup. Rory Reid, the BBC Two show’s previous co-presenter, will now host Top Gear’s companion show, Extra Gear, along with Sabine Schmitz.

McGuinness said the Top Gear role was a “real honour and I’m thrilled the BBC have given me this opportunity”. He added: “To be hosting a show I’ve watched and loved from being a small boy is beyond exciting. Top Gear fans worldwide are a passionate bunch and I consider myself one of them. Now let’s start up this Great British machine and see what it can do!”

Flintoff said: “It’s not often you have the chance to do both of your dream jobs, but I’m now lucky enough to say I will have. I’ve always been passionate about cars and I’m so excited to be joining the Top Gear team.”

Harris, who has been a lead host on Top Gear since 2017, said of his new co-stars: “They’re both brilliant, natural entertainers – and their mischief mixed with the most exciting cars on the planet is sure to take the show to the next level. My dream job just got even better.”

Friends star LeBlanc joined Top Gear in 2016, but has chosen to leave because of the demands of the role, and how much it keeps him away from his family and friends. His final series as lead host will air in early 2019.

The American actor was a surprise addition to the presenting line-up along with Chris Evans two years ago, after the departure of previous hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Evans quit after just one series.

McGuinness and Flintoff will start filming their first series with Harris in early 2019, and it will debut later in the year.

Patrick Holland, the controller of BBC Two, said: “This is a thrilling manoeuvre from the Top Gear team and I’m relishing what this trio will deliver. Both Paddy and Freddie love their cars but, more than that, they’ll bring a new energy and competitive spirit to Top Gear.”