The BBC has announced that Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff are the new presenters of ‘Top Gear’.
The ‘Take Me Out’ host and former international cricketer will join existing host, motoring journalist Chris Harris, on the BBC Two motoring show.
And trio were officially unveiled at a photocall on Monday morning on the banks of the River Thames in central London, flanked by a red Aston Martin DSB Superleggera and a blue Porsche 911 GT2RS.
The new hosts will begin production on Series 27 of the show early next year, with their inaugural series premiering later in the year.
Rory Reid, who has co-presented ‘Top Gear’ since Series 23, will step down from the main presenting line-up but will remain part of the ‘Top Gear’ family, along with Sabine Schmitz. He will continue to be the face of Top Gear’s companion ‘Extra Gear’ – and will be at the heart of what will become a bigger digital presence for the show.
‘Top Gear’ bosses also promised petrol heads and fans that the car will remain the real star of the show but hint at an “even further escalation of humour, jeopardy and insurance bills as they embark on some of the show’s biggest adventures to date.”
Speaking about his new role, Paddy McGuinness said: “Getting the ‘Top Gear’ gig is a real honour and I’m thrilled the BBC have given me this opportunity. 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.”
His new co-host Freddie 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.”
Patrick Holland, 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.
“Chris Harris might have the greater car skills, but when it comes to the infamous Top Gear challenges, he’s going to have to bring his A-game to have the beating of these two.”
The next series of ‘Top Gear’, which will be Matt LeBlanc’s last, will air early next year on BBC Two, before Paddy, Freddie and Chris take over later in the year.
