James May returns to TV with brand new show after the Grand Tour ended – and it couldn’t be more different
JAMES May’s return to TV has been revealed following The Grand Tour’s cancellation – and it couldn’t be more different.
The petrol head, 62, will big back on the small screens for a new series for Channel 5.
James will front a new factual series called The Great Explorers.
Viewers will see James chart the journey of Christopher Columbus, Sir Walter Raleigh and Captain James Cook.
The series will air over three episodes, each running for a whopping 90-minutes in duration.
Speaking about the new series, James said: “TV shows are often described as ‘journeys’ and ‘explorations’; this one really is about journeys and exploration.
“We all think we know the basic pub facts about these three great men, but the reality may come as a bit of a surprise. It certainly was to me.”
James’ new series comes after his ‘Our Man In’ travel series was axed by Prime Video last year.
He revealed the decision to axe the show was not his as he launched a foul-mouthed swipe at bosses.
Discussing the news of the show being cancelled, the petrol-head said: “Well, they just didn’t want it anymore, miserable b*****ds.”
Our Man In saw James visit Japan for its first series, before he turned his attention to Italy.
The third and now final series, which landed on Prime Video at the start of this year, focused on his travels across India.
James May’s Great Explorers launches on launches 13th February at 9pm on Channel 5 and My5
James May's career to date
TV presenter and journalist James May has enjoyed a long on-screen career, with a main focus on motoring. Here is a look at some of his biggest projects.
- Top Gear (1999): James was a briefly a host on the original 1977 to 2001 iteration of the popular motoring show. The likes of Angela Rippon, Andy Wilman, Noel Edmonds, Kate Humble and Jeremy Clarkson were also presenters at various points.
- Top Gear (Revived series, 2003-2015): After Jason Dawe departed following series one of the revival, James boarded the revived Top Gear in 2003. He starred alongside Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and The Stig until 2015, when the main trio left the programme.
- Oz and James’s Big Wine Adventure (2006-2007): This show featured wine expert Oz Clarke attempting to educate James about wine while undertaking a road trip. The programme lasted two series. A sequel titled Oz and James Drink to Britain aired in 2009.
- James May’s Toy Stories (2009 to 2014): This programme featured well-known toys from the past being brought into the modern era through a complex, large-scale project involving the nature of the toy. James created, co-wrote, presented and narrated the show.
- The Grand Tour (2016 to 2024): Conceived following James and his co-stars leaving Top Gear, The Grand Tour launched on Amazon Prime Video in 2016. The trio were joined by producer Andy Wilman, who also made the move.
- James May: Our Man in… (2020-present): A travel documentary series for Amazon Prime Video, which has seen James visit Japan, Italy and India so far.
- James May: Oh Cook! (2020 – present): As the title suggests, this is a cooking programme hosted by James and it is released via Amazon Prime Video. The programme features the presenter trying to cook a variety of different dishes, with each episode focusing on a cuisine.