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They’re Back! Clarkson, Hammond & May Cameo in New Grand Tour
The Grand Tour Gets New Drivers: What You Need to Know About Season 7
The Big News in Simple Terms
Imagine your favorite TV show about cars and adventures is getting a fresh start. That’s exactly what’s happening with The Grand Tour! The show is coming back for a seventh season, but with some big changes.
Important Point: The original trio — Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May — are not leaving completely. They’ll pop up for quick appearances (called "cameos") to help welcome the new hosts.
Meet the New Team
Three new presenters are taking the wheel for the main show:
| New Host | What They’re Known For |
|---|---|
| James Engelsman | Car YouTuber from the channel Throttle House |
| Thomas Holland | Engelsman’s partner at Throttle House for nearly 10 years |
| Francis Bourgeois | Social media star famous for trainspotting videos filmed with a GoPro on his head — also a trained mechanical engineer |
Why These Three? The Producer Explains
Andy Wilman, who helped create the show, shared the thinking behind the choice:
Key Insight: "You can’t just parachute in three new funny presenters. That’s like describing the show to an alien over the phone — ‘You just need three funny blokes who muck about.’ It doesn’t work that way."
Instead, they picked people who already make car content and have real chemistry together.
A Quick History Lesson
- 2002–2015: Clarkson, Hammond, and May hosted Top Gear on BBC
- 2016–2024: The trio moved to Amazon Prime Video for The Grand Tour (6 seasons)
- 2024: They announced they’d step away from the main show
- September 4, 2025: Season 7 launches with the new hosts (+ cameos from the original trio)
Health Update on Jeremy Clarkson
In June, Clarkson shared he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer last year. Good news: it was caught very early, he got treatment, and recent tests show no sign of cancer — he’s in remission.
What the New Hosts Say
Francis Bourgeois on filling big shoes:
"It’ll be like Mo Farah running in Size 14 wellies — awkward at first, maybe blister-inducing, but an interesting watch."
James Engelsman on the new dynamic:
"I’ve worked with Thomas for almost a decade making car films. Who knew the missing ingredient was a Francis Bourgeois? Let the car adventures commence."
Summary
- The Grand Tour returns September 4 on Prime Video
- Three new hosts take over: Engelsman, Holland, and Bourgeois
- Original trio (Clarkson, Hammond, May) appear in cameos to pass the baton
- Clarkson is cancer-free after early detection and treatment
- Producer Andy Wilman says the new team was chosen for real chemistry, not just "being funny"
FAQ
Will Clarkson, Hammond, and May ever come back full-time?
A: They’ve said they’re stepping away from the main show. For now, only cameos are planned — but never say never in TV!
Do I need to watch the old seasons to understand the new one?
A: Not at all! Think of it like a new chapter. The new hosts bring their own style, though fans will enjoy seeing the original trio pop up.
Who is Francis Bourgeois, really?
A: A mechanical engineer turned viral train enthusiast. He films himself getting excited about trains with a fisheye GoPro on his head. Now he’s bringing that energy to cars!
What happened to Throttle House?
A: Engelsman and Holland still run their YouTube channel. This is a new gig alongside their existing work.
Is the show still about cars and road trips?
A: Yes! The format stays the same — cars, challenges, adventures, and banter — just with new faces leading the way.
