The Grand Tour has introduced a new presenting trio comprising James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, who jointly host the motoring YouTube channel Throttle House with over three million subscribers, and Francis Bourgeois, a social media personality primarily known for trainspotting content. The three have replaced the show’s original presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, who defined the program for more than two decades.
The selection of Bourgeois as the third presenter represented an unconventional choice, given his background as a railway enthusiast rather than an established automotive personality. Engelsman and Holland conducted chemistry testing with multiple potential candidates before identifying Bourgeois as the right fit. Their first meeting occurred at a hotel outside Basingstoke, where conversation focused on vehicles they owned. The presenters reported that their dynamic developed naturally once filming commenced, functioning effectively without requiring deliberate effort to establish rapport.
Initial critical reception has been measured. The Independent awarded three stars, describing the presentation as overly cautious with presenters appearing somewhat stiff. The Guardian similarly gave three stars, characterizing the trio as pleasant but lacking obvious chemistry, though the review singled out Bourgeois for particular praise. The Financial Times also awarded three stars, acknowledging the appeal of the show’s large-scale sequences while questioning whether the program’s previous success depended inherently on its former presenters’ strong personalities.
Bourgeois has explained that his passion for vehicles extends back to childhood, with a particular attachment to a Mitsubishi Legnum VR-4 parked near his family’s London flat. He views the opportunity to showcase automotive enthusiasm alongside his established interest in trains as a harmonious combination of his interests. He has already begun advocating for the program to feature an episode dedicated to power stations, an idea that has reportedly received receptive consideration from at least one quarter.
Richard Hammond commented that the previous presenting team had successfully created their show and that the new trio deserves opportunity to develop their own iteration, emphasizing the importance of allowing the team space to establish their approach to the program.
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