'Top Gear' Bosses Aren't Looking To Replace Chris Evans And Want To Keep Matt LeBlanc For New Series

BBC Studios boss Mark Linsley has opened up about the future of ‘Top Gear’, admitting that the corporation are keen to hold onto Matt LeBlanc.

Following the departure of Chris Evans at the end of the last series - who bowed out after receiving poor reviews and low ratings - Mark has insisted that the BBC aren’t looking to replace him, and instead will focus on the remaining members of the presenting team.

On the subject of whether they’re looking for a new lead presenter, Mark told The Guardian: “We are not at the moment.

“[The ‘Top Gear’ reboot] was built around an ensemble. Matt LeBlanc was an important part of that ensemble. Clearly the viewers enjoyed Matt LeBlanc, and we want him to come back.

“Clearly they enjoyed the other Chris [Harris], and Rory [Reid] – they have told us that. All the elements were there of an ensemble rather than just focusing it on Chris [Evans], and I think that is evident in the way that we produced it.”

Looking ahead, he added: “There will be change, but we will be building on the characters that worked, ie Rory, Chris and Matt LeBlanc.”

Since the ill-fated reboot wrapped up earlier this year, viewers have urged producers to put Matt in the spotlight for the next series, with Chris even heaping praise on his former co-host.

Meanwhile, presenter Rory Reid has admitted that changes need to be made to the format, while TV chef James Martin has been widely tipped to be joining the show.