"Top Gear" is hitting some bumps on the road with rumors of "Friends" star and new host Matt LeBlanc leaving the show if co-host Chris Evans doesn't step down. Launched in 2002, the highly acclaimed "Top Gear" was hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. However, in March 2015, BBC decided not to renew Clarkson's contract, and with this, Hammond and May, together with executive producer Andy Wilman announced their departure as well. "Top Gear" found a new host in Evans in its 23rd season, and earlier this year, LeBlanc came on board.
It seems, however, that the shakeup has caused conflict between the new hosts, as sources from the show told The Sun that LeBlanc is planning to leave the show, lest Evans resigns.
"Matt has already indicated that he won’t continue on any further series if Chris remains a part of it. And he is far from the only one who isn’t happy," the source said. "The team does not gel at all, and the atmosphere between the presenters is decidedly frosty. He just isn’t interested. He doesn’t even hang out with the others back stage and firmly keeps his distance from all of them at the aerodrome."
The show also received dismal comments from viewers, many of which called for Evans to be replaced. However, Evans' representatives declined to comment on whether or not BBC is planning to relieve him of his hosting duties. They did, however, confirm that Evans is heading to Los Angeles to film another show.
Meanwhile, it seems that LeBlanc is still enjoying his time on the show despite working with Evans. Mirror reports that the 48-year old actor is dating "Top Gear" producer Auroa Mulligan. The two have been recently spotted at the Hickstead Derby, and were also seen together at The Royal Garden Hotel in West London back in May.
"Top Gear" airs on Sundays at 8 PM on BBC.
