Jeremy Clarkson backs new Grand Tour despite fans calling it ‘one of TV’s greatest downfalls’

| Deputy TV editor Published September 3, 2026 9:16am Updated September 3, 2026 9:16am To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Jeremy Clarkson has continued to back the Grand Tour reboot despite gloomy fans’ complaints. Yesterday, Amazon held a premiere of the new Grand Tour show, which will star train enthusiast Francis Bourgeois and YouTubers James Engelsman and Thomas Holland (not that one). And as part of the celebrations, Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May met the new trio at the Tower of London to pass the metaphorical motoring torch. The ever-magnanimous Clarkson even shared a smiling selfie on Instagram featuring both new and old hosts. ‘Grand Tour handover,’ he captioned the photo. ‘Good luck, guys. #amazonshitcarshow returns.’ Yet despite Clarkson’s enthusiasm for his younger replacements, some fans still aren’t happy with the change. Clarkson has backed the new boys since the start (Picture: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/WireImage) ‘One of the greatest downfalls in television history,’ commented a rather hyperbolic dali_d. ‘It won’t be the same now,’ agreed mintteamax. ‘Luckily we have Diddly Squat.’ While korhonenbourg_blanc added: ‘Respectfully, it was the three of you we tuned in for. Not the cars.’ The torch has been passed (Picture: Puja Bhatia/Getty Images) The complaint that the Grand Tour won’t be the same without Clarkson, Hammond, and May is hardly a new one. Fans have been moaning about the new presenters since news of the show’s return first broke. Clarkson, however, has been emphatic that viewers should give Bourgeois, Engelsman, and Holland a chance. ‘I’ve seen the guys being chosen in the early days, and I’ve seen some of the stuff they’ve been doing. And it’s very, very good,’ he told the Radio Times. Grand Tour fans have their doubts about the new trio (Picture: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/WireImage) ‘It’s different because they’re three completely different people to us. But they’re bl**dy funny. You shall see. You shall see. ‘But no, I’m pretty confident it will work. I mean, touch wood, from everybody’s point of view. We all want it to work, and I’d love the idea that the Grand Tour carries on.’ And it should be noted that not everyone commenting on Clarkson’s post is being a negative Nancy. ‘If you guys are giving them the blessing, I am gonna have to check it out,’ wrote hbecker1102. I’m excited to see the new trio,’ added boostedharry. ‘They’ll never be old Top Gear, but it looks like they’ll be a fitting group to carry on the spirit of the show.’ kodiejames13 meanwhile said they were excited for the new presenters and pointed out, ‘They didn’t pick random celebs; they picked genuine car enthusiasts. ‘Throttle House’s YouTube channel is fantastic, and Francis is odd as hell and super interesting. Deals of the Day An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder The Grand Tour returns to Prime Video on September 4. Arrow MORE: Jeremy Clarkson reveals reason Kaleb Cooper ‘isn’t talking to him’ Arrow MORE: Jeremy Clarkson reacts to Top Gear return: ‘Make a show the BBC hates’ Arrow MORE: Last One Laughing fans think ‘it’s almost unfair’ one comedian is taking part TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.