Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Saffron Otter

When is the new Top Gear on TV and who are the hosts?

Motoring show Top Gear will return to our screens this evening - a fitting coincidence for celebrating fathers across the UK.

The show is once again in for a whole new look after former presenter Matt LeBlanc, who stepped down at the end of the last series, took over from the troublesome trio; Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.  

While the three presenters moved over to Amazon Prime following Clarkson's sacking from the BBC , and short-lived co-presenter Chris Evans left LeBlanc to hold the fort - has the BBC finally cracked it with 2019's line-up?   

For the show's 27th series, Lancashire lads Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff will join Chris Harris behind the wheel as the new presenters, and if the trailer is anything to go by, fans could be in for a Father's Day treat.  

Here's everything you need to know ahead of tonight's series launch: 

The three presenters will host the 27th series of the BBC hit motoring show (PA)

What time does Top Gear start and what channel? 

Top Gear returns to BBC Two on Sunday 16 June at 8pm. The series will air every Sunday evening at the same time.
 

Each episode will be one hour long.

Why did Matt LeBlanc step down?

The iconic Friend's star dropped out of the end of series 26 after presenting the show since 2016.

LeBlanc said the filming of the show had taken a toll on his home life.  

Who is Paddy McGuinness?

Paddy McGuinness (PA)

Paddy McGuinness is a 6'1" comedian from Bolton.

He's best known for his catch phrases from the popular ITV show Take Me Out , such as "No likey, no lighty".

He was also the face of Max and Paddy's Road to Nowhere and is remembered for his starring in Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights.

The 45-year-old is married to Christine Martin, and they have two autistic twins together, which he spoke out about this Father's Day .

McGuinness did once host a show called Stars In Their Cars, which probably gave him the edge when it came to winning the gig.

Who is Freddie Flintoff?

Freddie Flintoff (PA)

Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff MBE is a former international cricketer and while he famously sustained a career behind the bat, he's also achieved a career behind the camera.

The 6'3" star has featured in a number of documentaries, including Freddie Flintoff: Hidden Side of Sport and Flintoff: From Lord's to the Ring.

The 41-year-old sportman from Preston is also a father, and is married to Rachael Woods Flintoff.  

Who is Chris Harris?

Chris Harris (PA)

The only one of the new presenters under 6ft, Chris Harris remains as one of the main faces of Top Gear since his regular position in 2017.

The 44-year-old from Buckinghamshire is a renowned automotive journalist and earned his own spot on BBC iPlayer with Extra Gear, where him and his co-star Rory Reid uncover the latest car news.
 

If you can't quite wait until 8pm tonight, here's what to expect from Top Gear's latest series:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.