The new series of The Grand Tour is on its way back to Amazon Prime Video with an all-new presenting line-up following the departures of James May, Jeremy Clarkson, and Richard Hammond.
The iconic presenting trio, who bid farewell to the series in 2024’s One for the Road, were replaced by Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland earlier this year.
Amazon has now announced that the new hosts’ first outing will air on September 4.
And it won’t just be one special either, as Amazon has confirmed that a “six-part, globe-trotting motoring series” is on its way for petrolheads across the globe.
Each of the three new faces has shared their excitement ahead of the release of the episodes, too.
Mr Bourgeois said following the news: “Since completing the filming of the series, I haven’t stopped replaying every moment in my head.
“It has made me laugh, made my heart race and my stomach turn…remembering the tent I shared with Thomas and James filled with sulphuric farts whilst Angolan jackals snooped around outside.
“It feels as though it was a dream but knowing we will get to share our adventures soon makes me so incredibly excited!”
Mr Engelsman echoed: “We took on the West African Desert. We contended with fighter pilots. We even decided to challenge an entire nation’s legal system by protesting from the mountain tops.
“In doing so, the three of us learned our true strength: How to accept defeat gracefully.”
And Mr Holland weighed in: “I figured someone would be there to hold our hand the whole time. Nope. We were on our own in some absolutely wild environments in very questionable cars.
“What did we learn from this experience? Only that we have very poor decision-making skills. When you watch in September, expect a good laugh. And maybe a few butt clenches…”
While the trio remains excited, it seems apprehension among the show’s fandom is as rampant as ever. The show already faced backlash upon unveiling its new hosts.
Now, after confirming The Grand Tour’s release date, several critics have voiced their opposition once more.
“No one is going to be better than Clarkson, Hammond and May… No chance,” one Instagram user typed in response to the announcement.
A second agreed: “It’s not Top Gear or The Grand Tour without Clarkson, Hammond and May. Stop trying to reinvent the wheel. The format isn’t the show; those three ARE the show.” (sic)
“I don’t understand why we can’t just come up with a new name for a new show with new people? How many times have they tried to replace or recreate the trio and it never lasts?” another commented.
While a fourth similarly hit out: “Nope.. sorry lads. Can’t do it. It’s the three amigos or not. I’m gonna have to pass.”
However, the negative reception was countered by an equally stern support. “Two major differences: the trio left of their own volition this time, and the choice of presenters was made by people who really understand the community instead of corpos. I’m very optimistic,” one fan argued.
A second also put: “If there was anyone to be a new host, Francis definitely deserves it. He will do a great job!”
Another countered: “I will give it a chance. This isn’t like the top gear situation. So this deserves a chance. I will make an assessment from there.”
And a fourth commented: “I get why the old heads are mad. But James and Thomas are absolutely fantastic and they will make this show continue to be great.”
While the fandom may be divided, the new trio has the backing of Mr Clarkson and long-time producer Andy Wilman.
The pair, who have worked together since their Top Gear days, both liked the release date announcement and Mr Clarkson has previously come out swinging for Mr Bourgeois, Mr Holland, and Mr Engelsman.
During a podcast appearance earlier this year, Mr Clarkson urged fans “not to be hasty” in their criticism of the new trio.
“I think Andy (Wilman)’s involved to some extent. Difficult to work out how much, but he’s definitely involved.
“I know this because I heard his voice on the guide track of their film.
“But I’ve seen the guys being chosen in the early days, and I’ve seen some of the stuff they’ve been doing. And it’s very, very good.”
