Matt Le Blanc will not return to BBC’s “Top Gear” after the next season airs, BBC said Thursday.
The former “Friends” star has hosted four seasons since 2016. A new co-host will be tapped for the 2019 season, yet to be announced.
“My experience on ‘Top Gear’ has been great fun,” Le Blanc said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the whole team. However, the time commitment and extensive travel required to present ‘Top Gear’ takes me away from my family and friends more than I’m comfortable with.”
“It’s unfortunate, but for these reasons I will not be continuing my involvement with the show,” he continued. “I will forever be a ‘Top Gear’ fan and I wish the team continued success. Thanks for a great drive.”
During his time on the show, in which he worked with Rory Reid and Chris Harris, Le Blanc helped build the world’s fastest tractor and helped NASA land a research plane.
BBC Two controller Patrick Holland thanked Le Blanc for “being a brilliant co-host.”
“Matt has thrown himself into the show with real passion, revealing his extraordinary car knowledge and a willingness to get down and dirty,” he said. “We were always going to be borrowing him from his day job as one of the top comic actors in Hollywood so I wish him all the very best.”
Le Blanc also starred in BBC Two’s “Episodes,” which aired its fifth and final season last year.