Top Gear confirms Paddy McGuinness and Andrew Flintoff as hosts – what do you make of the new northern line-up?

Written by Dianne Bourne
Last updated 6 years ago
Showbiz, Sport, TV & Radio

It’s a new thoroughly northern line-up for TV’s Top Gear – as Bolton’s Paddy McGuinness and Lancashire cricket legend Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff slip into the driving seat for the hit BBC show.

Show bosses have today confirmed the news that Take Me Out star Paddy and Ashes hero Andrew will take over the presenting duties for Top Gear – taking over from American Friends star Matt Le Blanc, who step downs at the end of the next series.

Paddy and Andrew will join existing presenter former racing driver Chris Harris for the 27th series of the hit show when it starts filming in 2019.

The Lancashire lads were confirmed in their new roles by the BBC on Monday morning.

Paddy 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.”

Ashes-winning former cricket captain Andrew said: “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.”

Paddy shared the news with a photo alongside Freddie on his Instagram page, and fans were quick to praise the new line-up.

Commenting on Instagram, stefaniojefe wrote: “Great opportunity to do everyone a favour and make it an original and high quality program again. Come on fellas, please do a good job!”, while lynn_power said: “My two fav Lancashire lads… am delighted for you… Top Gear top guys.”

View this post on Instagram

Morning! #topgear

A post shared by Paddy McGuinness (@mcguinness.paddy) on Oct 22, 2018 at 12:27am PDT

In other changes to the show, the BBC today announced that Rory Reid will step down from the main presenting line-up, but will remain part of the Top Gear family, along with Sabine Schmitz.

He’ll continue to be the face of TG’s companion show Extra Gear, and will form the heart of a larger digital presence for the show.

This article was last updated 6 years ago.
It was first published on 22 October 2018 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.

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