The Grand Tour Welcomes New Presenting Trio for Season 7
Amazon Prime Video has officially unveiled the three new presenters who will be taking the wheel for the upcoming seventh season of The Grand Tour. Following the departure of the original trio – Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May – who concluded their journey two years ago in Botswana, the baton has now been passed to a fresh team of motoring enthusiasts.
Introducing the New Hosts: A Blend of Digital Stardom and Automotive Expertise
The new lineup consists of Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, each bringing a unique background to the globally popular automotive adventure series. This announcement marks a significant shift for the show, which is set to explore new territories, including a planned excursion to California to test America's latest performance vehicles.
Francis Bourgeois: From Trainspotting Sensation to Car Enthusiast
Francis Bourgeois, whose real name is Luke Nicolson, first captured public attention through his viral social media presence dedicated to trainspotting. Despite his fame stemming from railways, the 25-year-old possesses substantial technical credentials, including a background in mechanical engineering and previous employment with Rolls-Royce. His online following numbers in the millions, thanks to his engaging content.
Reflecting on his new role, Francis remarked: "The saying 'big shoes to fill' springs 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."
James Engelsman: YouTube Automotive Authority
James Engelsman is best recognised as one half of the acclaimed YouTube automotive channel, Throttle House, which he co-founded with Thomas Holland. Through this platform, he has established a reputation for delivering thorough car reviews, performance analyses and entertaining automotive challenges, earning respect within the global car enthusiast community.
James commented on the new dynamic: "Who knew that all this time, the one ingredient that was missing was a Francis Bourgeois? Let the car adventures commence."
Thomas Holland: Journalist and Content Creator
Thomas Holland, the Canadian counterpart in Throttle House, brings a wealth of experience from motoring journalism and amateur racing. Since launching the YouTube channel in 2015, he has become known for his insightful takes on high-performance vehicles and his polished on-screen presentation style.
Interestingly, Thomas initially expressed scepticism about the role, stating: "I said 'only a moron would take that job'" when he first heard about the series reboot and the replacement of the original hosts.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The announcement has sparked a variety of responses from fans online. While some have expressed optimism, noting the strong digital following of the new hosts and their established reputations in automotive content, others have voiced concerns about comparisons to the previous trio.
One fan, Leighton, emphasised: "Please tell the new boys not to try to be the old lot. It never works." Meanwhile, supporters like Neil praised Throttle House's track record, and Peter highlighted his admiration for Francis Bourgeois.
As The Grand Tour prepares to embark on its next chapter with this new presenting team, viewers eagerly anticipate how their distinct personalities and expertise will shape the future of the beloved motoring series.
