Walesonline iconWalesonlineSep 3, 2026 ~3 min source read

New Grand Tour hosts call stepping in ‘daunting’ as they prepare to relaunch series

Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman and Thomas Holland describe pressure replacing Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, outline their approach and preview the new six-part series on Prime Video.

Grand Tour’s new hosts admit ‘it’s daunting’ taking over from TV legends

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The new presenting trio — Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman and Thomas Holland — say taking over the Grand Tour is “daunting” because they are long-time fans of the show.

The six-part revival, featuring locations such as Angola, Malaysia and California, retains the show’s staples: performance cars, extreme challenges and scenic locations. It launches on Prime Video on September 4, 2026.

# Quick summary Bourgeois, James Engelsman and Thomas Holland. On The One Show they acknowledged the pressure of replacing Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, described the task as "daunting," and explained they approached the series as fans trying to make the show they themselves would want to watch. The new six-part season begins on Prime Video on September 4, 2026.

# Who the new hosts are

# How the hosts view the role Thomas Holland said, "It's very daunting because this show means so much to so many, including us." The trio emphasised they are fans who shaped the new show with the audience in mind: they aimed to create something they would watch if they were fans tuning in.

Thomas Holland has asked sceptical viewers for a chance: "Give it a go," he said in coverage accompanying the relaunch. The message is straightforward — viewers don't have to like the new version immediately, but the hosts believe the series will win people over if they try it.

The programme's original hosts remain part of the show's broader story. After nearly a decade together and a final special in 2024 titled One for the Road, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May will still make appearances in the new series in guest capacities. That decision appears intended to smooth the transition for long-time viewers.

# Why the change matters Gear and later launched the Amazon Prime series in 2016. Replacing that lineup is a high-stakes move because of the original team's size and influence. The new hosts acknowledge the weight of expectations and say their priority was producing an edition of the show they themselves would enjoy as fans.

# Practical takeaways for viewers

  • Release date: The new six-part series launches on Prime Video on September 4, 2026.
  • Tone: Expect continuity in format — cars, large-scale stunts and location-driven episodes — with new presenters bringing their own sensibilities.
  • Transition: Former hosts will appear in guest roles, creating continuity for longtime viewers.

# Bottom line The show's relaunch balances continuity with change. The new presenters are openly aware of the pressure of replacing an iconic trio and say they designed the season around what fans of the franchise would want to watch. The series lands on Prime Video on September 4, 2026.

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