James May Teases Potential Reunion with Clarkson and Hammond Amid Top Gear Hiatus
Former Top Gear presenter James May has sparked speculation about reuniting with co-stars Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, following the BBC’s announcement of putting Top Gear on hold. May’s comments come amidst the conclusion of their Amazon Prime series, The Grand Tour.
Key Takeaways:
- End of an Era: The BBC has suspended the popular show Top Gear after a serious accident involving host Andrew Flintoff, and James May, along with Clarkson and Hammond, are wrapping up their Amazon Prime series, The Grand Tour, with a final special airing next year.
- Potential Reunion: James May, speaking on BBC Radio 4, hinted at a possible collaboration with Clarkson and Hammond for a new car show, considering the evolving automotive landscape and their collective experience.
- A Time for Change: May discussed the need for reinvention in car shows, reflecting on the trio’s long tenure in the genre and the possibility of gracefully concluding their roles while remaining open to new opportunities.
James May, renowned for his role in Top Gear, has recently hinted at a possible reunion with fellow stars Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. This speculation arises as the BBC’s Top Gear faces a pause due to a serious crash involving host Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff.
“The BBC has said the hit motoring series Top Gear will be off air for the ‘foreseeable future’ following a crash that seriously injured host Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff. Clarkson, Hammond and May are due to leave Amazon Prime Video series The Grand Tour after a ‘final special’ airs next year,” May explained.
On BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, May stated:
“I do think that despite us obviously coming to the end of our time doing this and the cancellation of Top Gear, there has never been a better time (for a car show).”
He continued, discussing the evolving automotive world:
“Things like the future of autonomous cars, new means of powering cars, a change of general attitudes towards cars and driving, there’s never been a better time for a car show. And the car show itself requires reinvention.”
Regarding The Grand Tour’s conclusion, May remarked:
“We have filmed the last one for now. I suppose that makes me technically unemployed. I can hear the cheers rolling around the country.”
The potential for a new project with Clarkson and Hammond was broached, to which May responded:
“I can’t reveal that. Because the brutal truth is, I don’t know yet. But I do still speak to them. It depends what it was. Yes. No… I wouldn’t rule it out, but you do have to bear in mind that we’re all getting on a bit. And we have been doing it for 20 years plus, and I don’t think any of us ever thought it would last that long.”
May also touched on the idea of new faces in car shows:
“It’s always been part of our conversation, how we landed with grace, rather than fly it into a cliff.”
With Top Gear needing a “rethink” before its return, according to May, and The Grand Tour nearing its end, the motoring world awaits to see what the future holds for this iconic trio.
