'Don't believe the hype': Top Gear's new host Matt LeBlanc hits back at 'nervous breakdown' claims... as he denies giving candid interview

It was sensationally claimed that he suffered a nervous breakdown following the end of Friends.

But on Monday morning, Matt LeBlanc took to his social media sites to hit back at the report, revealing he didn’t give a candid interview in the first place.

He tweeted: ‘Hey,to clarify,I never had a nervous breakdown nor did I do an interview with the Mirror in the UK. So don't believe the hype. But thanks’ [sic]

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Setting the record straight: Matt LeBlanc took to his social media sites to hit back at a report which suggested he had a nervous breakdown

Hitting back: The 48-year-old revealed he didn’t give a candid interview  with The Mirror in the first place

The Mirror newspaper reported that the 48-year-old said wasn't always looking to return to the spotlight, following on from the announcement of his new role on Top Gear.

After Friends ended in 2004, Matt was dealing with the collapse of his marriage to Melissa McKnight, after three years, which coincided with a debilitating diagnosis given to his daughter when she was born.

The publication claimed, he said: 'For years and years, I barely left the house. I was burnt out. I wanted to not have a schedule, not be somewhere. I was in a position to do that. My agent was bummed.

See more news from Top Gear and its host Matt LeBlanc as he denies breakdown claims

Marriage breakdown: The breakdown of Matt's marriage to Melissa McKnight, here in September 2004, after three years in 2006 coincided with a terrible diagnosis for their daughter Marina

'Most actors call their agents and say, "What’s going on?". I’d call mine and say, "Please lose my number for a few years’. It was a very dark time. I almost had a nervous breakdown.'

Matt, who famously starred as Joey Tribbiani in US sitcom Friends, had finished up with the NBC sitcom in 2004 and went on to starred in panned spin-off series Joey.

He allegedly continued: 'My daughter was diagnosed with a problem with her head. It was a very dark period. But I got through it. Don't they say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger?' 

Still friends: Melissa McKnight and actor Matt LeBlanc arrive at the Emmy Awards in August 2014

The actor filed for divorce from his wife in 2006, after three years together, in which they struggled with his career struggles and their daughter's illness.

Fortunately, now aged 11, their daughter's ailment has subsided and the star reportedly said spending time with his daughter is the best thing he's ever done.

He has also remained amicable with McKnight, and they have joint custody of their daughter  

The BBC's decision to appoint the much-loved actor was reportedly designed to boost the programme's popularity with women and American viewers.

What came next: Matt, here as Joey with Rachel Green played by Jennifer Aniston in Friends, said he asked his agent to 'lose his number' after Friends ended in 2004

On Thursday, he appeared on his new co-hosts Radio Two show via phone and told Evans he had been 'ducking paparazzi' following the announcement.

'Thanks to Top Gear and the BBC, my day has been ducking paparazzi all day long, and now I'm relaxing with a glass of wine at my bar,' LeBlanc said.

'I can't believe the response. I mean I knew Top Gear was a big show, but, wow, it was on the front page of The New York Times, did you know that?'

The DJ, who was appointed to host Top Gear after Jeremy Clarkson's sacking last year, asked his future co-star which double act from the past they would most resemble.

LeBlanc rejected the suggestions of Tom and Jerry, Laurel and Hardy, and Friends couple Rachel and Ross, replying instead: 'Joey and Chandler'. 

Delighted: Matt was announced as the surprise presenter of Top Gear last week, on which he'll star with Chris Evans

Swatting up: The actor teased fans with an Instagram post, sharing his delight