James May Criticises Clarkson and Hammond as ‘Out of Date’ in Grand Tour’s Latest Series

In a recent exclusive, James May candidly criticised fellow Grand Tour stars Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, describing them as ‘out of date’. The comments surfaced ahead of the trio’s new series on Amazon Prime, The Grand Tour Presents: Lochdown.

Key Takeaways:

• May’s Mockery of Co-hosts: James May took a playful jab at his colleagues, Clarkson and Hammond, ahead of their new series, The Grand Tour Presents: Lochdown. May, known for his often different outlook compared to Clarkson and Hammond, described them as “tweedy and entrenched” and akin to relics ready for the scrapheap.
• Behind the Scenes of Lochdown: The Grand Tour’s latest series, filmed in Scotland, features the trio racing from Edinburgh to the Outer Hebrides in classic 70s American cars. May also expressed a wish to have met Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon, whom he finds “believable” despite disagreeing with some of her views.
• Clarkson’s Farm Returns: Alongside the release of Lochdown, fans of Jeremy Clarkson can look forward to the second season of Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime. Despite its initial financial struggles, the show gained popularity, showcasing Clarkson’s journey in farming in the Cotswolds.

James May’s comments on his co-stars come ahead of the anticipated release of The Grand Tour Presents: Lochdown on Amazon Prime. May, always the outlier in the trio, didn’t hold back in his assessment of Clarkson and Hammond, whom he has worked with since their Top Gear days. His candid remarks highlighted the stark differences in their personalities and approaches.

“It’s not difficult to be modern when with those two, because they are quite tweedy and entrenched.

“They do a lot of wandering around the countryside shooting at things and Hammond collects classic cars and wears his waistcoat, and I think Jeremy yearns for the return of the class system and probably hates the internet.

“Everybody thinks I’m a traditionalist, but actually I can’t stand all that stuff.”

His comparison of trying to modernise Clarkson, 61, to a futile but amusing task, “like showing a dog card tricks”, added a humorous twist to his critique. Despite their differences, May acknowledged the unlikely chemistry they share on screen.

He added:

“We are so different we shouldn’t really associate with each other. On paper we should hate one another but it works as a television show.”

The trio’s adventure in Scotland in Lochdown promises to be an entertaining journey, reflecting their contrasting personalities and camaraderie. In addition, fans of Clarkson will be delighted with the return of Clarkson’s Farm for a second series. Despite being a self-proclaimed “expensive failure,” the show garnered a significant following, with viewers appreciating the humor and challenges of Clarkson’s farming endeavours.

The second season will see Jeremy attempt to diversity and expand his limited agricultural knowledge under the watchful eye of his no-nonsense team.

As the Grand Tour gears up for its latest release, May’s comments not only stir curiosity but also reinforce the unique dynamic that has made the show a success. This blend of camaraderie and rivalry, coupled with their distinctive approach to motoring and lifestyle, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.