New Top Gear host is amped to come to South Africa

Los Angeles - Matt LeBlanc is "very excited" about hosting Top Gear.

The 48-year-old actor has become "one of the busiest people on the planet" since landing the role on the motoring show, but his Episodes co-star Stephen Mangan says his pal couldn't be happier.

He said: "He's gone from being a man with the most relaxed lifestyle on the planet to one of the busiest people. He's flying all over the place with Top Gear.

"He's very excited. It's great. He's perfect for that part because he's such a petrolhead."

While Matt's appointment came as a surprise to many, it seems Stephen "might have" known long before the official announcement.

He laughed to RadioTimes.com: "I am a good secret keeper."

The 47-year-old actor has already been invited by Matt to be a guest on the show - and is hoping to go on an adventure with his pal if he does sign up.

He said: "It's just driving, how hard can it be? Press a pedal, turn a wheel, surely it can't be that difficult...

"I'm hoping he's going to take me to South Africa or something like that. I don't want to go somewhere in Surrey on a wet afternoon - I want to go somewhere glamorous."