Matt LeBlanc to return as Top Gear host with reported £1million deal
BBC producers are eager to lure back the actor for his second series
TOP Gear producers have declared they "DEFINITELY" want Matt LeBlanc in the driving seat - with a reported £1million contract on the table to entice him back to his presenting role.
Despite the former Friends star keeping schtum about his future on the BBC motoring show, sources say a hefty pay cheque is on the table from the broadcaster with a one-year deal up for grabs.
It is believed he will put pen to paper on the contract shortly - which would see his salary DOUBLE from £500,000 last year.
A show source said: “Matt was one of the positive aspects of the last series, he is keen to return and we definitely want him back so it will happen, we just need to dot the ‘i’s’ and cross the ‘ts’."
They “We think he will be back filming soon and he is excited about some of the ideas we have lined up.”
Yesterday the funnyman actor was playing coy about his comeback to the programme which has suffered huge criticism and low ratings since its re-vamp.
Promoting his new show Man With a Plan, the former Friends star said: “I’m not sure what’s happening with Top Gear just yet, but this is my priority.”
When asked about whether or not he would return, Matt replied: “I don’t know. I’d like to. There’s nothing officially happening just yet, call the BBC.”
The broadcaster meanwhile stated: " “We don’t expect further changes to the Top Gear presenting line-up.”
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Matt, 49, was drafter in alongside show anchor Chris Evans to replace the longstanding line-up of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.
Yet fans didn't warm to the switch and Chris quit in June.
The TV and radio star resigned from the newly revamped car show after just one season at its helm.
He told the Daily Mail he was a “square peg in a round hole”.
Yet he was more gushing about American Matt, who played Joey Tribbiani in the US sitcom.
The flame-haired presenter said Matt and the show were "made for each other."
Shortly after he quit he added: “For me, he is the man. He is the captain Top Gear truly needs going forward, the perfect torso for the rest of TG’s limbs."
Filming for the new series will begin later this year.
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