Who Are the New Grand Tour Presenters: Meet Francis, James, and Thomas?

The upcoming season 7 of Amazon Prime Video's The Grand Tour will feature a new trio of presenters: Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland. They will take on the roles previously held by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, as the show embarks on fresh adventures exploring car culture, including a trip to California to test the latest performance vehicles. This marks a significant shift in the show's presenting lineup, paving the way for a new era in motoring entertainment.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Amazon Prime Video has confirmed that season 7 of The Grand Tour will feature new hosts Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland. This announcement comes two years after the original trio's last appearance, which has generated a mix of excitement and scepticism among fans. The new presenters bring a wealth of experience from the automotive world, particularly in digital content creation, which aligns with the evolving preferences of the show’s audience.

Key takeaways

• The Grand Tour will introduce new presenters for its seventh season.
• Francis Bourgeois is known for his trainspotting content and has a background in mechanical engineering.
• James Engelsman and Thomas Holland co-host the successful YouTube channel Throttle House.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to the new presenters began with the departure of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May in October 2021. Since then, fans eagerly awaited news about who would take over. In early October 2023, Amazon Prime Video officially announced the new team:

• October 2021: Clarkson, Hammond, and May complete their final episode.
• October 2023: Announcement of the new presenters Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The introduction of the new presenters marks a significant change for The Grand Tour, shifting the focus to personalities with strong social media followings and digital content experience. This decision reflects the show's adaptation to current viewing trends, where online engagement plays a crucial role in attracting audiences.

What was already established

The previous hosts were renowned for their dynamic chemistry and iconic adventures. Clarkson, Hammond, and May had set a high standard with their charismatic approach to car culture, and many fans are curious how the new trio will redefine the show's format and tone.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The changes in The Grand Tour may influence UK viewers' engagement with automotive programming. With the new presenters appealing to younger demographics, the show might attract a fresh audience while retaining loyal fans. This evolution could lead to an increase in viewership, impacting advertising and sponsorship deals.

Businesses and jobs

The automotive industry in the UK could benefit from the show's renewed focus on performance cars and car culture. Increased visibility of new vehicles may stimulate interest and sales, potentially leading to job creation within the automotive sector as manufacturers respond to heightened consumer interest.

Policy and regulation

The new season may also touch upon the UK’s evolving automotive regulations, particularly regarding electric vehicles and sustainability. As car culture shifts, discussions surrounding environmental impact and legislative changes could feature prominently, offering educational value to viewers.

Numbers that matter

• 3: The number of new presenters joining The Grand Tour.
• 2: Years since the original trio last appeared on the show.
• 5: The year Throttle House was founded by Thomas Holland and James Engelsman.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Throttle House: A popular YouTube automotive channel focused on car reviews and performance testing.
• Performance cars: Vehicles designed for high-speed and high-performance driving.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Viewers can expect promotional content and teasers leading up to the season premiere, giving them insight into the new presenters and their adventures.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, audience reactions will become clearer. Expect discussions around the presenters' chemistry, car reviews, and the overall direction of the show.

Signals to watch

• Viewership statistics post-premiere.
• Social media engagement metrics related to the new hosts.
• Feedback from automotive communities and forums.

Practical guidance

Do

• Watch the new season to form your own opinion about the presenters.
• Engage with online discussions to share thoughts and feedback.

Don’t

• Assume the new presenters will replicate the style of the previous hosts.
• Miss opportunities to explore the automotive topics discussed in the show.

Checklist

• Check your schedule for the premiere date of season 7.
• Follow the new presenters on social media for updates.
• Explore Throttle House content to familiarise yourself with the new hosts.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As with any change in a beloved programme, there are risks involved with the new presenters. Fans may have varying expectations based on the previous trio's performances. Additionally, the shift towards digital content creators may not resonate with all viewers, leading to potential backlash if the new format does not meet established standards. It remains to be seen how the new team will balance innovation with tradition.

Bottom line

The Grand Tour is entering a new chapter with its fresh presenters, poised to attract a younger audience while keeping loyal fans engaged. As the show evolves, it will be essential to monitor audience reactions and the broader impact on automotive culture in the UK.

FAQs

Who are the new presenters of The Grand Tour?

The new presenters are Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland, who bring a mix of automotive expertise and digital content experience to the show.

What can we expect from season 7?

Season 7 will feature adventures in California, testing the latest performance cars, and exploring various aspects of car culture.

How did the previous hosts influence The Grand Tour?

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May set a high standard for the show with their chemistry and iconic adventures, shaping its identity within automotive entertainment.