Brad Pitt has reportedly signed up to appear on the new series of Top Gear, after buddy Matt Le Blanc convinced him to take part. The two have been friends after they appeared alongside each other in… er, Friends. Pitt has given the green light to appear on Chris Evans’ revamped version of the show, which is still on track to launch late next month. He is currently living in the UK shooting two movies, but will make time to be the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.
A source said: “BBC chiefs wanted a Hollywood A-lister to launch the new series and have been pressing for Brad for weeks. Chris and Matt know they have to get that star factor to sell the show around the world and create a buzz. It’s perfect timing that Brad is in the country at the moment and has agreed to take part. He’s seen the show and was keen to do some driving, but obviously his filming commitments take priority so a date hasn’t been nailed down yet.”
The news of Pitt appearing on Top Gear might come as a blow to Jeremy Clarkson, who once named Brad and wife Angelina Jolie as his dream guests, but could never actually get them in the studio. BBC bosses must also be welcoming the move, as it is one of the few positives for the show after being dogged by controversy.
A BBC spokesman said: “Guests will be announced in due course.”