Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson, James May Image:
Good news for Jeremy Clarkson fans and Top Gear team fans! Amazon has just inked a three-season deal with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May to star in a new car show, bringing along with them their long-time Executive Producer Andy Wilman. The show is still unammed but is due to go into production for airing in 2016.
It was anticipated that the trio would be solicited by another network or streaming service following the much-publicized firing by BBC of Clarkson after reportedly punching a producer. Hammond and May also announced they would not return to the show without Clarkson. BBC since has announced that they would revamp Top Gear with British TV and Radio personality, and exotic car collector, Chris Evans as the lead.
Clarkson had been with BBC for 27 years, but had been known to have a quarrelsome relationship with his former producer and generated a lot of headlines over his outspoken nature, often accused of racially offensive remarks and often upsetting local nationals in countries he has visited.
Clarkson left a few clues this morning via his Twitter about the deal:
I'm very excited to announce that Hammond, May and I have signed a deal with .
— Jeremy Clarkson ()
. now saying I can't be their chief drone pilot. Apparently they want us to make a car show.
— Jeremy Clarkson ()
And Amazon was quick to Tweet out the news:
We've got a brand new ride.
— Amazon Instant Video ()
In a statement from Jay Marine, Vice President of Amazon Prime Video EU, he said “Customers told us they wanted to see the team back on screen, and we are excited to make that happen. We can’t wait to see what Jeremy, Richard, James and the team will create in what is sure to be one of the most globally anticipated shows of 2016.”
Many are curious how Amazon will handle the controversial show host, but fans are thrilled to learn that the trio is returning and feel it is BBC’s loss.
Clarkson gave a bit of a dig to his former employer with the following statement “I feel like I’ve climbed out of a bi-plane and into a spaceship.” May, who will also be co-hosting the new show gave the following comment about the deal, “We have become part of the new age of Smart TV. Ironic, isn’t it?”
We will keep you posted on any updates regarding the launch date of the new series. Stay tuned…