The BBC has confirmed that Take Me Out host Paddy McGuiness and former England cricketer Freddie Flintoff will become the new faces of Top Gear.

McGuiness and Flintoff will replace Matt LeBlanc on the motoring programme, with LeBlanc leaving after presenting four series.

The two entertainers will join motoring journalist Chris Harris as co-presenters.

Since the famous trio Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond left Top Gear in 2015, the re-jigged show has struggled to hold onto its presenters, with Chris Evans and Eddie Jordan already leaving the show in that time.

Racing driver Sabine Schmitz and motoring journalist Rory Reid are set to take up the realm for Top Gear’s side-line show ‘Extra Gear’, which aims to give more of a behind the scenes look at the show.

McGuiness said: “To be hosting a show I’ve watched and loved from being a small boy is beyond exciting. Top Gear fans worldwide are a passionate bunch and I consider myself to be one of them.”

Freddie Flintoff added: “It’s not often you have the chance to do both of your dream jobs, but I’m now lucky enough to say I will have.

“I’ve always been passionate about cars and I’m so excited to be joining the Top Gear team.”

Despite the announcements of the new host, a further season of Top Gear is still to be aired with the current line-up – including Matt LeBlanc. This is likely to be shown at the start of next year, with Flintoff, McGuiness and Harris set to start filming for the next series at the start of 2019, and be broadcast later in the year.

Freddie Flintoff retired from professional cricket in 2013, and has since taken up a number of presenting roles – including most notably his appearance on Sky 1’s sports show A League of their Own.

McGuiness rose to fame through his appearances alongside Peter Kay in Phoenix Nights, and is now best-known as the face of ITV’s dating show Take Me Out.

(Main picture: From left to right, Freddie Flintoff, Paddie McGuiness and Chris Harris pictures alongside a Porsche 911 GT2 RS and Aston Martin DBS Superleggera)