‘The Grand Tour’ gets underway with new hosts
Prime Video has tapped Francis Bourgeois, Thomas Holland and James Engelsman to helm its revamped ‘The Grand Tour’, which returns later this year with a fresh line-up two years after Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May concluded their run.
In the six-episode series, train spotter turned petrol fanatic Bourgeois teams up with the YouTube car duo behind Throttle House for a global car adventure. The new installment promises challenges in a variety of locations, from navigating the Angolan desert in track vehicles to immersing yourself in Malaysia’s automotive scene and testing American performance cars in California.
Studio Lambert is producing the series, which aims to preserve the DNA of the franchise while ushering in a new chapter with younger talent.
“The saying ‘big shoes to fill’ comes to mind. Well, in this case it will be like Mo Farah walking in size 14 boots – it will be a little uncomfortable at first, maybe cause blisters, but overall it will be an interesting watch,” Bourgeois said.
Holland brought his characteristic humor to the announcement: “When I first heard they were restarting ‘The Grand Tour’ and Clarkson would replace Hammond and May, I said ‘only an idiot would take that job.'”
Engelsman noted the evolution of his collaboration with Holland: “I have worked with Thomas for almost ten years making car films. Who would have thought that the only ingredient missing all this time was a Francis Bourgeois? Let the car adventures begin.”
Tara Erer, head of British and Northern European originals at Prime Video, highlighted the stakes involved in recasting the most-watched British original unscripted series worldwide.
“Finding the right successors was no easy feat, but we definitely struck gold,” Erer said. “We are extremely excited to pass the keys to Thomas, James and Francis, three standout talents that emerged from an extensive search. Each of them brings distinctive talents and energy that will propel the series into exciting new territory while capturing the spirit of adventure and camaraderie of this beloved franchise.”
Original executive producer Andy Wilman added: “We’re thrilled to pass the baton to Thomas, James and Francis because they are simply 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 wonderful chemistry that is all of their own making.”
Tim Harcourt, chief creative officer at Studio Lambert, said: “‘The Grand Tour’ has humor and pure love of cars at its heart. It was a pleasure to find and film a brilliant new trio that brings these values around the world, from Angola and Malaysia to California and Didcot Parkway.”
Holland and Engelsman have built a significant following through Throttle House, their YouTube channel with millions of subscribers and 75 million annual viewers. Canada-based Netherlands specializes in high-end vehicles and works as a motoring journalist and amateur driver, while Engelsman brings an enthusiast’s perspective, exemplified by his ownership of a Toyota Century limousine originally built for the Japanese royal family.
Bourgeois has a social media audience of almost six million followers, mainly through trainspotting content. However, the British personality also has credentials as a mechanical engineer with professional experience at Rolls-Royce. His technical expertise extends to identifying car brands based on engine noise alone.
Phil Churchward, Tim Harcourt, Stephen Lambert, Alex Renton and Nia Yemoh serve as executive producers for Studio Lambert, with Hilary Berkshire and Diana Focke serving as production executives.
The new series will launch globally in more than 240 countries and territories on Prime Video later this year.
