Top Gear has had a bit of a tumultuous history since the departure of regulars Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Since thinning down an all-new six-host lineup after just one series, the motoring programme enjoyed two series of relative stability with Matt LeBlanc, Chris Harris and Rory Reid.
However, LeBlanc announced earlier this year that he was parting ways with the show, because the show’s “time commitment and extensive travel… takes me away from my family and friends more than I’m comfortable with.” And now, Reid is leaving the show too.
The trio will stay for one more series (Series 26, which will debut early next year), but after that Harris will be joined by two new hosts – comedian Paddy McGuinness, who hosts the dating show Take Me Out, and former Ashes-winning cricketer Freddie Flintoff. Their first series will kick off later in the year.
The show’s broadcaster BBC said that Reid will continue to be part of the Top Gear family, alongside German racing driver Sabine Schmitz, and will continue hosting the behind-the-scenes show Extra Gear. He will also helm an expanded online presence for the brand.
“Getting the Top Gear gig is a real honour,” McGuiness said. “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 added, “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.”
“I think you can tell just how much fun we’re going to have making Top Gear with Paddy and Freddie,” said Harris. 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.”
Some great footage from Reid’s time on the show, in the video above.
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Chris harris is boring af
john is more entertaining
I agree. John is more entertaining here. I love listening to his goreng.
John kalau lepak mamak, semua orang dia kata member dia
Thank u for ur sapot!
Shouldve been doug demuro
Our Driven is 100X better than Top Gear.
Driven speak facts and no goreng. Top Gear full of goreng. Hardly any car reviews. Half the time jumping down from plane or mountain, using canons, bazooka and tanks etc
No real car reviews.
jezza, hamster, and captain slow were the essence of Top Gear. Top Gear is not Top Gear without them. should’ve just handed a fine or a paycut to jezza instead of dismissing him.
Let’s face it….They are really missing, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.
Without these 3, they should rename the show to Reverse Gear
Either they find personalities to ham it up and knows a fair bit about cars, or they get serious and become more like 5th Gear.