If you tune into the BBC‘s Top Gear motoring show this May you’ll be reunited with a long lost friend.

The broadcaster has confirmed that Matt LeBlanc, former star from the 1990s US hit comedy Friends, will join the new-look presenting panel when the popular car show returns this year.

LeBlanc is known for playing much-loved and not very bright, Joey Tribbiani, in the NBC sitcom that helped him achieve global fame.

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The BBC said LeBlanc would be the first non-British to host the show.

LeBlanc joins Evans in the presenting line-up. Photo: ABC

“As a car nut and a massive fan of Top Gear, I’m honoured and excited to be a part of this iconic show’s new chapter,” LeBlanc said in a statement.

“What a thrill!”

The ever popular Top Gear was taken off air in 2015 after its star host Jeremy Clarkson was sacked for assaulting a producer in March.

His two side-kicks, and co-hosts, Richard Hammond and James May, followed through with their threat to leave the show if Clarkson was sacked.

The trio are reportedly developing their own motoring show for Amazon.

It was announced in June, 2015 that British radio and TV presenter Chris Evans would replace Clarkson.

A BBC spokesperson said at the time that Evans, 49, had signed a three-year deal with the new-look program.

Evans said he was thrilled that LeBlanc “a lifelong fellow petrolhead” was joining the show.

The secret took Top Gear fans by surprise with some if them voicing their reactions on social media, and even making a few comical referenced to Friends.

Can I make the ‘Looks like he’s always stuck in second gear’ joke before anyone else does?#MattLeBlanc #TopGear

— Matthew Ross (@MattBobRoss) February 4, 2016

Just as I thought #TopGear would never recover they hire #MattLeBlanc

Good move @BBC_TopGear.

I’m now tempted to tune in again – are you?

— Vibe Bregendahl (@VibeBregendahl) February 4, 2016

Hey everyone,I’m really honored and looking forward to working on Top Gear with @achrisevans , damn he’s tall. pic.twitter.com/XGrcLP0NCl — Matt LeBlanc (@Matt_LeBlanc) February 4, 2016

We can reveal that @Matt_LeBlanc will be joining @achrisevans to drive #TopGear into a new era. pic.twitter.com/6NKaitFgQ8 — BBC Two (@BBCTwo) February 4, 2016

@BBCTwo @KathyBurke @Matt_LeBlanc @achrisevans Yay, finally a reason for me to watch Top Gear 🙂 — Jan (@Janhatesmarmite) February 4, 2016

@achrisevans I’m just pleased that Estelle finally got #Joey a decent gig! #TopGear #MattLeBlanc pic.twitter.com/kDaAF9ak13 — jonathan newell (@jonnycharles) February 4, 2016

An exclusive shot of #MattLeBlanc on set at his new presenting job on #TopGear pic.twitter.com/geSbWuDT1O — Jamie Gemmell™ (@GingerPower_) February 4, 2016