The new hosts of The Grand Tour have revealed the blunt advice Jeremy Clarkson gave them before they took over the motoring show. Appearing on The One Show on September 3, Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman and Thomas Holland discussed stepping into the roles previously held by Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.
Engelsman told viewers: “Those who know Jeremy Clarkson know that he doesn’t mince his words and the advice he gave us was concise and not appropriate for BBC.” The remark was made teasingly, leaving fans to wonder what the outspoken Clarkson actually said.
Taking over from a legendary trio
Clarkson, Hammond and May ended their on-screen partnership last year. Their collaboration spanned more than two decades, starting with Top Gear, where their mix of car reviews, challenges and banter turned the BBC programme into a global hit.
After Clarkson left Top Gear in 2015, Hammond and May also departed. The trio reunited with producer Andy Wilman at Amazon, launching The Grand Tour in 2016. Over five seasons, they travelled worldwide, completing increasingly difficult challenges and testing spectacular cars.
A new generation takes the wheel
In 2024, the trio ended their partnership with a final adventure in Zimbabwe, titled The Grand Tour: One For The Road. Clarkson had previously spoken about the physical demands of continuing the show, and all three acknowledged it was time to move on.
The new hosts bring different backgrounds: Bourgeois is known for his trainspotting videos and enthusiasm for locomotives, while Engelsman and Holland are the Canadian duo behind the automotive YouTube channel Throttle House.
New series launches on Prime Video
Engelsman admitted that taking on the series was “very daunting” because of how much it means to viewers and to the presenters themselves. The new six-part series features motoring adventures in locations including California, Malaysia and Angola.
Fans can expect spectacular cars, ambitious challenges and the presenters pushed beyond their comfort zones. Bourgeois, Engelsman and Holland aim to put their own stamp on the format while respecting the legacy of the show. The new series launches on Prime Video on September 4.
