Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are set to make surprise cameo appearances in the forthcoming series of The Grand Tour, according to producer Andy Wilman.
Wilman revealed the news in an interview at the Buckingham Literary Festival, confirming that the iconic presenting trio would feature in the new episodes.
Producer's confirmation
Speaking to 3Bs radio, Wilman said: “Those three guys coming with the new Grand Tour, we’ve got behind them. We’re supporting them.”
He added: “Our guys are in the show to do cameos, so we’re wishing them well because we do want to pass that baton on to those guys because the Top Gear aura has diminished a bit now.”
Different from Top Gear exit
Wilman noted that the transition for The Grand Tour was a “calmer situation” compared to the trio's controversial departure from Top Gear, which lacked the same “emotional heft”.
He also praised the original Top Gear presenters, saying their successors had a “tough” act to follow because the show “grew organically under our stewardship”.
Wilman elaborated: “So people are seeing this show grow right before their eyes, very different to watching a show that’s professionally pre-thought out like The Apprentice or something like that.”
He explained that Top Gear developed from their collective ideas, leading to international trips and specials, and concluded: “So you start to love those three.”
New hosting line-up
Clarkson, Hammond and May last appeared together in 2024, driving off into the sunset in Botswana as they ended their 22-year partnership.
Prime Video then announced a new hosting line-up for the series: Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland of Throttle House.
Bourgeois commented: “The saying 'big shoes to fill' springs to mind. Well, in this case, it'll be like Mo Farah running in size 14 wellies - it'll be a little awkward at first, perhaps blister-inducing, but will overall be an interesting watch.”
The Grand Tour premieres on Prime Video on September 4.
