Matt LeBlanc ‘signs £2m Top Gear deal as BBC panics after losing Great British Bake Off’

Matt LeBlanc has reportedly signed a new deal to host Top Gear for an eye-watering £2million.

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The former Friends star is believed to have finally signed on the dotted line after negotiations with the BBC to front the motoring show on his own.
LeBlanc, whose contract expired in June, was praised by critics during his stint as co-host alongside Chris Evans.

Chris Harris, Matt LeBlanc and Chris Evans presenting the fourth edition of the revamped 'Top Gear'. Broadcast on BBC2 HD. Featuring: Chris Harris, Matt LeBlanc, Chris Evans Where: United Kingdom When: 19 Jun 2016 Credit: Supplied by WENN **WENN does not claim any ownership including but not limited to Copyright, License in attached material. Fees charged by WENN are for WENN's services only, do not, nor are they intended to, convey to the user any ownership of Copyright, License in material. By publishing this material you expressly agree to indemnify, to hold WENN, its directors, shareholders, employees harmless from any loss, claims, damages, demands, expenses (including legal fees), any causes of action, allegation against WENN arising out of, connected in any way with publication of the material.**

LeBlanc is now fronting the show on his own (Picture: BBC/WENN)
According to The Sun, the BBC agreed to work around filming of his US sitcom as they are feeling the pressure after losing The Great British Bake Off to Channel 4.

A source said: ‘Bake Off going to Channel 4 was a disaster and a real blow. Losing Matt because of a few diary arrangements would have spun Top Gear into crisis yet again.’

BBC TV controller Charlotte Moore agreed the deal, which will see most of his salary being paid through the broadcaster’s commercial arm BBC Worldwide so it won’t be made public.

‘Charlotte looks like she has really aged in the last couple of weeks and had even offered Paul Hollywood a role on Top Gear to try and get him to stay,’ the insider added.

For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of Matt LeBlanc driving a new Rolls-Royce Dawn around Ireland's Ring of Kerry, during filming for the new series of Top Gear which will return in May. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Friday April 15, 2016. See PA story SHOWBIZ TopGear. Photo credit should read: BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.
Matt is replacing Chris Evans 

‘In the end they just wanted to sign up Matt as he’s great with the fans and gives the show stability as it’s due to start filming within days.’
LeBlanc was reportedly paid an estimated £500,000 for the last season.