Can new trio match original presenters’ chemistry?
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The new hosts of The Grand Tour have zoomed into focus in the reboot’s first teaser, showing the trio in action for the first time.
Replacing former presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond are social media star and train enthusiast Francis Bourgeois, as well as YouTubers Thomas Holland and James Engelsman, best known for their motoring content.
While it’s a sure bet they’ll rival the original hosts’ car knowledge, they’ll be hoping to emulate their chemistry for a new era – and the trailer has provided the first evidence of whether they have succeeded.
In the new series, the new presenters will tackle motoring’s most absurd questions across some of the world’s most challenging terrains. As part of the new episodes, they will cross the Angolan desert in track cars and explore Malaysia’s vibrant car culture.
The trailer hints that 26-year-old Bourgeois, a qualified mechanical engineer with experience at Rolls-Royce, will bring the infectious enthusiasm he’s known for to the popular show.
Bourgeois, real name Luke Nicolson, gained widespread popularity for his videos about trainspotting, which would often go viral on TikTok and Instagram, and even featured cameos from singer Joe Jonas and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
He said of his Grand Tour appointment: “The saying ‘big shoes to fill’ spring to mind. Well, in this case, it’ll be like Mo Farah running in Size 14 wellies – it’ll be a little awkward at first, perhaps blister-inducing, but will overall be an interesting watch.”
Holland and Engelsman are the duo behind Throttle House, a popular automotive YouTube channel known for its car reviews and track tests.
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Engelsman said: “I’ve worked with Thomas for almost a decade making car films. Who knew that all this time, the one ingredient that was missing was a Francis Bourgeois? Let the car adventures commence.”
Holland joked: “When I first heard they were rebooting The Grand Tour and replacing Clarkson Hammond and May, I said, ‘Only a moron would take that job.’”
Holland, who is originally from Canada and studied biology, founded Throttle House in 2015 “out of boredom”. The channel initially focused on BMW builds and occasional car reviews, but started to gain momentum when Engelsman joined in 2018.
Engelsman, who is from the UK, became part of Throttle House after suggesting ideas to Holland and asking to be part of his videos. The duo had their first meeting in person at a gathering of Miata car owners.