The BBC says former Friends star Matt LeBlanc will leave the popular British auto show Top Gear after the upcoming season.

In a statement, LeBlanc said the program was "great fun," but the time and travel commitment "takes me away from my family and friends more than I'm comfortable with".

"It's unfortunate, but for these reasons I will not be continuing my involvement with the show," he said.

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Matt LeBlanc hosts Top Gear - but not for much longer.

"I will forever be a Top Gear fan and I wish the team continued success. Thanks for a great drive."

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Earlier this year, LeBlanc told New Zealand's TV Guide that his favourite thing was "to do nothing - and this is a lot of work for me".

"Now I'm busier than I've ever been. I'm in the middle of it right now. I just got my schedule for next year and I'm going to be really busy. But I love this job, so why not? I'll sleep when I'm dead."

LeBlanc's fourth and final season as host is due for broadcast in the UK later this year.

A mix of humour, stunts and automotive advice, Top Gear became a global hit under longtime presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

They left in 2015 after Clarkson was fired for punching a producer and now host Amazon's rival show, The Grand Tour.

LeBlanc joined in 2016 as co-host with British presenter Chris Evans, who left after one season of lackluster ratings and lukewarm reviews.

 - AAP