JIMMY CARR TO FRONT TOP GEAR REBOOT ON BBC

Following previous reports earlier this year that the BBC were eyeing up a reboot of Top Gear, The Sun newspaper now reports that comedian Jimmy Carr is set to be the lead presenter.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Production have their sights set on Jimmy, he’s the ideal host to take the show into a new era and revive Top Gear. He’s keen to work on something mainstream after spending so many years fronting comedy panel shows. He’s a real car buff, too, so it would be a passion project. Casting directors are now working to find talent to join him in the new-look ensemble."

Meanwhile, Prime Video have revealed the presenters of the new series of The Grand Tour; celebrated trainspotter and secret petrolhead Francis Bourgeois, alongside James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, the acclaimed creators of the YouTube phenomenon Throttle House.

Together, the trio will front a six-part, globe-trotting series, tackling motoring’s most pressing, and delightfully absurd, questions across some of the world’s most challenging terrains.

Two years after Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May drove off into the Botswana sunset for the final time, The Grand Tour roars back with a new series packed with big adventure, big horsepower, and big laughs - from crossing the Angolan desert in track cars to exploring Malaysia’s vibrant car culture, before heading to California to test cutting-edge America’s latest and greatest performance cars.

The new series of The Grand Tour, produced by Studio Lambert, honours the show’s legacy while driving it into a new era. Francis Bourgeois said: “The saying ‘big shoes to fill’ spring 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."

James Engelsman said: "I've worked with Thomas for almost a decade making car films. Who knew that all this time, the one ingredient that was missing was a Francis Bourgeois? Let the car adventures commence."

Thomas Holland said: "When I first heard they were rebooting The Grand Tour and replacing Clarkson Hammond and May, I said “only a moron would take that job.” 

Tara Erer, Head of UK & Northern Europe Originals said: “The Grand Tour is Prime Video's most watched unscripted UK Original series globally, so finding the right successors was no small feat - but we've absolutely struck gold. We're beyond excited to pass the keys to Thomas, James, and Francis, three standout talents who emerged from an extensive search. Each bringing 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.”

Mr. Wilman said: “We are properly happy to hand over the baton to Thomas, James and Francis, because quite simply - they are 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 delightful chemistry that's all of their own making.”

Tim Harcourt, Chief Creative Officer, Studio Lambert said: “The Grand Tour has humour and a pure love of cars at its heart. It’s been a delight to find and film a brilliant new trio who take these values across the world from Angola and Malaysia to California and Didcot Parkway.” 

With millions of subscribers, the Throttle House duo, Thomas and James, have built a global following with their irreverent, witty approach to reviewing new and old cars. Thomas, an automotive journalist and amateur race car driver based in Canada specializes in high-performance vehicles, while James brings an enthusiast's eye and unique individual taste; famously exemplified by his Toyota Century Limousine built for Japanese royalty.

Francis Bourgeois may be the world’s most famous trainspotter, with a social media audience of almost six million, but he’s also a qualified mechanical engineer with experience at Rolls-Royce.  His profound technical knowledge and ability to identify a car’s make solely by the sound of its engine bring a unique, infectious energy to the team.

More details will be announced in due course.