AceShowbiz - Former Friends star Matt LeBlanc is driving away from U.K. motoring show Top Gear.

The motor-mad actor was brought in to co-host the programme with BBC TV and radio star Chris Evans in 2016, and he became the frontman when Evans departed the show in 2017.

Now Matt is leaving after the next season, according to a BBC Studios spokesman.

Top Gear will continue without him, with TV bosses planning to welcome a new co-host to join the team for 2019 "and beyond".

Confirming the news, LeBlanc says, "My experience on Top Gear has been great fun. 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. I will forever be a Top Gear fan and I wish the team continued success. Thanks for a great drive."

Meanwhile, Matt has found success on U.S. TV again as the star of sitcom Man With a Plan.