Matt LeBlanc praised for ‘saving’ Top Gear as current series impresses viewers

Matt Le Blanc has been credited with ‘saving’ Top Gear as the current series came to an end on a high.

The former Friends star proved a huge hit with viewers as the final episode aired on Sunday night, following last year’s panned reboot with Chris Evans.

With many fans saying that the BBC Two motoring show was finally ‘back on form’, the series finished with a high-octane episode including a high speed boat race.

“Thank you for saving #topgear Mr @Matt_LeBlanc. This series never got stuck in 2nd gear,” wrote one impressed viewer on Twitter.

“Thank you very much for salvaging #TopGear @Matt_LeBlanc It's better than ever and it feels like you have always been there,” another posted.

“Congrats @BBC a return to form for #topgear enjoyed this series,” wrote someone else.

Last year’s series of the motoring show received a very different response on social media, with viewers criticising Evans’ presenting technique on a weekly basis.

The Radio 2 presenter stepped down from the programme after just one series after the show was savaged by critics.

The rest of the presenting team, including Chris Harris and Rory Reid, is now fronted by LeBlanc.

Evans took over when the series was rebooted following the departure of hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.