GettyThe BBC have confirmed Paddy McGuinness and Andrew Flintoff as the new Top Gear hosts.
The Take Me Out host and the cricket legend, will take over the car show, replacing current host, Matt Le Blanc, after the upcoming series.
Le Blanc started hosting the show along with Chris Evans back in 2016, after former presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond left the popular car show.
BBC bosses are hoping the two new hosts will restore Top Gear to its former glory, with similar viewing figures to when Clarkson, May and Hammond were behind the wheels.
GettyAccording to the BBC, Rory Reid, who has co-presented Top Gear since series 23, will step down from a main presenting role but ‘will remain part of the Top Gear family’, along with Sabine Schmitz.
The pair signed a two year deal with the BBC to host the show from 2019, and have apparently already proved their ‘infectious’ chemistry at a secret run-through at a test track near London.
McGuinness commented:
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.
PAThe former England cricket captain and Ashes-winning legend commented:
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.
I’m sure the pair will bring the perfect amount of humour to the car show – I can see it now, “let the star, see the reasonably priced car”.
The new hosts will begin filming in 2019, after Le Blanc’s final series airs.
BBCFans have mixed feelings about the casting choices, with some taking to Twitter to share their opinions.
One person wrote:
Rumours are the BBC have signed Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff up as the new hosts of Top Gear to replace Matt LeBlanc. Interesting choice? [sic]
While another optimistic person added:
Top gear presenters have to be lads at heart, Flintoff and Paddy McGinness fit the bill on this basis. It COULD work. [sic]
Another wrote:
Paddy McGuinness & Freddie Flintoff the new hosts of Top Gear. Thats either genius or a disaster….?! [sic]
Rumours are the BBC have signed Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff up as the new hosts of Top Gear to replace Matt LeBlanc. Interesting choice? #TopGear
— Scott Hughes 📻🎙 (@ScottHughesUK) October 21, 2018
@bbc5live Top gear presenters have to be lads at heart,Flintoff and Paddy Mc ginness fit the bill on this basis. It COULD work.
— John Ritchie (@rit94598898) October 22, 2018
Paddy McGuinness & Freddie Flintoff the new hosts of Top Gear.
Thats either genius or a disaster….?!
— Tim Shires (@timshires) October 21, 2018
We’ll have to see if they rise to the challenge!
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Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.