Top Gear has given fans their first look at the all-new presenting lineup, which sees Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff join forces after Matt LeBlanc’s exit.
The duo posed alongside co-host Chris Harris with the classic McLaren 600LT at the famous test track ahead of the new series’ launch on Sunday.
Take Me Out host Paddy, 45, and ex-cricketer Freddie, 41, were confirmed as the new hosts earlier this year following the departure of Friends star Matt, who had been on the show since 2016.
Tease: Top Gear has given fans their first look at the all-new presenting lineup, as Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff join forces ahead of the new series’ launch on Sunday
Ahead of the new series, Paddy admitted he worried the presenting job would take him away from his wife Christine and their three children, after Matt decided to leave the show to spend more time with his family.
The Phoenix Nights star told Weekend Magazine: ‘It was a huge factor.
‘I do get anxious when I’m away. Psychologically, even if you’re away for work in this country you know you can get home quickly if you need to.
‘But my wife said that if I didn’t take this opportunity to see all those places I’d never see otherwise, I’d regret it. I think she was right.’
Almost here! Paddy, 45, recently admitted he almost turned down the presenting gig, as he worried it would take him away from his family
Exciting: The Take Me Out host posed alongside the classic McLaren 600LT at the test track, ahead of the new series’ launch on Sunday
The new series of Top Gear has already been fraught with drama behind the scenes, as Freddie and Paddy were flipped over in a horrific hearse crash, shown in a trailer released in March.
While Freddie was seen coming off the track in Mansfield City Centre in February after he lost control of his electric car.
He then smashed into a marquee, bending the structure in half in the process.
Old hand: Chris Harris, 44, will remain from the previous series, after first joining the show in 2016 with Chris Evans – who quit after one series – and Matt LeBlanc – who quit earlier this year
Legendary: Former England cricket star Freddie, 41, will also be co-hosting bosses, after he and Paddy reportedly impressed bosses with their car knowledge behind the scenes
Cashing in: Freddie and Paddy will replace ex Friends star Matt LeBlanc, 51, in a two-year deal which The Sun reports will be worth £500,000 for each star
Freddie and Paddy will replace ex Friends star Matt LeBlanc, 51, in a two-year deal which The Sun reports will be worth £500,000 for each star.
The pair reportedly impressed bosses with their ‘infectious’ chemistry in a secret run-through at a test track earlier this year.
In a statement from BBC Studios, LeBlanc said his ‘experience on Top Gear has been great fun’ and that he has ‘thoroughly enjoyed working with the whole team’.
He added: ‘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.’
Awaited: With Chris staying from the previous year, producers are hoping the trio will emulate the chemistry of Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond in the show’s heyday
Superstar: Since retiring from cricket, Freddie has been a regular on A League Of Their Own and even won the Australian version of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!.
Dramatic: Top Gear has had a turbulent few years since Jeremy Clarkson’s and bosses are hoping this new presenting lineup will emulate the show’s glory days
With Chris remaining on the show from the previous year, producers are hoping the trio will emulate the famous chemistry of Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond in the show’s heyday.
Matt took over as the main host of Top Gear in 2017, after one series alongside DJ Chris Evans, who quit following a negative response from fans.
The pair landed the huge gig after Jeremy Clarkson was suspended from the show in 2015, with Richard and James leaving soon after in a show of support.
Top Gear Series 27 begins on Sunday 16th June on BBC Two.
Back soon: Top Gear Series 27 begins on Sunday 16th June on BBC Two