The news that The Grand Tour was returning shocked and delighted fans when it broke earlier this year.
However, soon after Amazon announced the popular motoring show’s return, people started to complain.
Fans were disappointed that Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May were not returning for the new series.
Instead, they’d be replaced by three new hosts, specifically Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland.
The concern was that the new trio would be unable to match the original hosts and that the show would be missing some of the old magic.
However, Francis, James, and Thomas have been defended by Jeremy, 65, who has asked fans not to judge too quickly.
While appearing on Autocar journalists Steve Cropley and Matt Prior’s podcast, My Week in Cars, The Grand Tour came up.
‘We’ve been doing this for three years, and so we find ourselves talking about car programs and the fact that it’s not here anymore,’ said Matt.
However, before he could finish, Jeremy cut in and said, ‘It’s coming back.’
In response, Matt replied, ‘Well, yes,’ before Jeremy once again cut in, saying, ‘No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no — don’t be hasty. Do not be hasty.’
Jeremy then went on to explain that while he’s not involved, the show’s old producer Andy Wilman is, and that he’s been impressed by what he’s seen of the new series so far.
‘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,’ he said.
He then admitted that the new show will be different, but funny.
‘It’s different because they’re three completely different people to us,’ he pointed out. ‘But they’re bl**dy funny.’
‘You shall see. You shall see. But no, I’m pretty confident — I’m pretty confident that that will work.’
‘I mean, touch wood. But I love the idea that Grand Tour carried on in this way.’
Amazon and Jeremy confirmed The Grand Tour’s return (and the new hosts) in February 2026.
The new trio will front a six-part series which will see them crossing the Angolan desert in track cars, exploring Malaysia’s vibrant car culture, and heading to California to test American performance cars.
Discussing his new hosting duties, Francis said: ‘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 is available to watch now on Amazon Prime.
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