Jeremy Clarkson Teases New Grand Tour Line-Up as ‘Very, Very Good’

Jeremy Clarkson has offered fans a rare insight into the new era of The Grand Tour, describing the latest line-up as “very, very good” after seeing early clips from filming. The announcement comes nearly two years after Clarkson, along with his longtime co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May, concluded the original show with the 2024 special The Grand Tour: One For The Road, which spanned Zimbabwe and Botswana.

For Clarkson, the original Grand Tour was more than just a motoring show. Following the conclusion of their eight-year run since 2016, he returned to other projects including Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime and overseeing his Oxfordshire ventures, including Diddly Squat Farm and The Farmer’s Dog pub. Despite stepping away from the motoring spotlight, Clarkson has remained closely connected to the franchise, and his latest comments suggest that he has taken a keen interest in the new presenters’ progress.

Earlier this year, Prime Video revealed that a fresh trio would take over the mantle of The Grand Tour, following in the footsteps of Clarkson, Hammond, and May. The new hosts include trainspotter-turned-social media sensation Francis Bourgeois, along with James Engelsman and Thomas Holland. Their recruitment immediately sparked curiosity and speculation among fans, eager to see how the iconic format would evolve without the original trio.

In a column for The Times, Clarkson confirmed that he had previewed clips from the new hosts’ adventures and was impressed by what he saw. “I’ve seen some of it, and it is very, very good,” he wrote, offering fans one of the first positive endorsements from someone intimately familiar with the show’s DNA.

Clarkson emphasized that the new team is “completely different people to us,” but praised their humor and chemistry. He hinted at the involvement of longtime executive producer Andy Wilman, acknowledging that while it was difficult to quantify Wilman’s role, his presence was unmistakable. “I know this because I heard his voice on the guide track of their film,” Clarkson said, noting that the familiar production influence remained part of the show’s foundation.

The Grand Tour has always thrived on the unique dynamic between its presenters, combining car reviews, elaborate challenges, and globe-trotting adventures with humor and wit. Clarkson’s comments suggest that while the format may be evolving, the comedic essence that defined the original show has been preserved. The new trio, according to Clarkson, has already demonstrated a level of entertainment value that stands out, even under comparison to the original team.

Fans will be watching closely to see how Bourgeois, Engelsman, and Holland handle the pressures of hosting such a globally recognized series. Francis Bourgeois, in particular, has amassed a significant following thanks to his trainspotting content on social media, bringing a fresh energy and personality to the show. Engelsman and Holland, both relatively new to mainstream motoring entertainment, add their own perspectives, promising a different yet complementary dynamic.

Clarkson also offered advice to viewers to remain patient. “Don’t be hasty. Do not be hasty,” he said in a podcast interview with Autocar journalists Steve Cropley and Matt Prior. His words suggest that while the new hosts are promising, fans should allow time for the trio to find their footing and establish their unique style. The statement reflects Clarkson’s understanding that stepping into the shoes of such iconic predecessors is a challenging task, requiring both patience from the audience and creative freedom for the hosts.

The Grand Tour has long been known for its elaborate stunts, exotic locations, and immersive challenges. Clarkson’s endorsement indicates that these hallmarks will likely continue under the new hosts, albeit with a different flavor. Viewers can expect fresh approaches, new personalities, and innovative ideas that may redefine the show while honoring the legacy built by Clarkson, Hammond, and May.

As anticipation grows, Clarkson’s comments provide reassurance to fans that the new series has the potential to deliver entertainment of a high caliber. While the original trio set a high bar, early impressions from Clarkson himself suggest that Prime Video’s latest investment in the franchise may succeed in capturing both the spirit and the excitement that made The Grand Tour a global phenomenon.

For the audience, this transition marks a significant moment in the show’s evolution. Fans familiar with Clarkson’s wit, Hammond’s daring, and May’s analytical humor will be keen to see how the new team navigates the blend of automotive expertise and comedic interplay. Clarkson’s previewed approval, combined with the guidance of Andy Wilman, provides both continuity and novelty, ensuring that the franchise retains its distinctive character while exploring new directions.

In sum, Jeremy Clarkson’s remarks on the new Grand Tour line-up signal confidence in the show’s future. The combination of fresh talent, seasoned production oversight, and Clarkson’s endorsement has generated significant excitement and speculation. As filming progresses and the series prepares for release, fans can anticipate a fresh take on a beloved format, promising thrills, humor, and a continuation of the adventurous spirit that has defined The Grand Tour for over a decade.