Jeremy Clarkson Gives Seal of Approval to New Grand Tour Presenters
Former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter Jeremy Clarkson has publicly endorsed the new trio of hosts who will be taking over the popular Prime Video motoring series. This week, the streaming service confirmed that Francis Bourgeois, alongside Throttle House creators James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, will front the next iteration of the show.
Clarkson's Humorous Selection Process
To mark the announcement, Clarkson took to The Grand Tour's official Instagram page, where he humorously reviewed a pile of CVs for potential replacements. He immediately dismissed applications from his former co-presenter James May, a man with a full beard, and someone he deemed too short for the role.
However, when Clarkson came across Thomas Holland's application, noting that he "frequently presents an opinion as if it is fact and then, if challenged, will change the subject", he recognised a worthy successor. Clarkson also gave his approval to Bourgeois and Engelsman, declaring: "Let's get them in. They look good."
Fan Reaction: A Mix of Scepticism and Openness
Despite Clarkson's endorsement, many fans of the original iconic line-up have expressed significant scepticism. Numerous comments on the Instagram post reflected a sentiment that the show "won't be the same" without Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.
One commenter stated: "There's no way it will be the same as before but if the trio is still working behind the scenes then maybe it's worth a shot." Another added: "I thought they realised that the only reason we watch Grand Tour is because of the trio." A third fan quipped, referencing the past: "Remember when everyone stopped watching Top Gear after the trio left? Almost like they were the reason we watched these shows."
Yet, not all responses were negative. Some fans are adopting a more open-minded approach to the new era. One user argued: "All the sweaty ones on here moaning, get a grip this new line up looks good and be a new dynamic you can't just sit and live in the old top gear days....." Another commented: "I will give them the benefit of the doubt since mister [producer Andy] Wilman and Jeremy are behind it but one episode where this trio doesn't work and we're done here."
Producer's Confidence in the New Dynamic
Producer Andy Wilman, a key figure behind both Top Gear and The Grand Tour, expressed strong confidence in the new presenting team. In an official statement, he said: "We are properly happy to hand over the baton to Thomas, James and Francis, because quite simply - they are doing it right. Not only do they have passion and knowledge, but more importantly they are in no way cardboard cutouts of the old three. They have a delightful chemistry that's all of their own making."
The new six-part series, set for release later this year, will see the hosts travel across the globe to tackle challenging terrains while addressing what are described as petrolheads' "most pressing and delightfully absurd" questions about modern motoring.
The original trio of Clarkson, Hammond, and May bid farewell to the show in 2024, marking the end of an era for the programme that began as a spiritual successor to their iconic Top Gear run. The Grand Tour is scheduled to return to Prime Video in 2026 with its fresh line-up.
