Jeremy Clarkson has revealed 'The Grand Tour' to be the name of his new car show on Amazon Prime.
It seems he, Richard Hammond and James May have finally overcome the one obstacle that was interfering with the production of their new offering - thinking of a name.
The lead presenter explains:
"We'll be travelling the world hosting each episode in a different country, from a giant tent. It's a sort of 'grand tour', if you like. So we've decided to call it 'The Grand Tour’."
James May has already admitted to being underwhelmed by the name. "I wanted to call it ‘Nigel', or ‘Roger'," he says. "We needed a name, and they're names."
Fortunately, Richard Hammond sounds more positive, both about the name, and the trio's move to on-demand programming. "I already love camping," he enthused, "But this is something else. We are like our pioneering and prospecting forebears, sallying forth into a new frontier of broadcasting, and making our home where…"
Evidently, the chemistry between the trio is still intact, something to warm the hearts of their new Amazon Prime bosses, who have dug into their deep pockets to invest millions into the new show, not least in recruiting these three. The format of the show seemingly acknowledges, and is banking on, the enormously high global profile enjoyed by the gang, unaltered since Jeremy Clarkson departed 'Top Gear' last year, and his comrades soon followed him.
“Well, that took a while…,” says Jay Marine, VP of Amazon Video Europe, regarding the decision over a name. “After nine months of deep thought, debate and deliberation, the guys have come up with a name that reflects the global ambition of the new show.
Not only will the pre-recorded location films new show be shot in exotic locations, but the studio audience recordings will also take place at a different location around the world every week. The pre-recorded studio sections of the programme will be filmed in front of a live audience, all housed within a giant tent.
'The Grand Tour' will launch in autumn 2016 exclusively for Amazon Prime members and the new travelling format means Amazon customers around the world will have the chance to be in the audience when tickets are released through prize draws this summer. Details of the location schedule and information on how to apply for tickets will be announced shortly.
Amazon announced in 2015 that Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May would reunite to make a new car show available for Amazon Prime members. The show is produced by the trio’s long time executive producer Andy Wilman. The award-winning team have committed to three series as part of this landmark global TV deal. The first series went into production in late 2015, and the series will premiere for Prime members this autumn (2016).
Meanwhile, 'Top Gear' will return to screens from the BBC later this month, with Chris Evans at the helm, and 'Friends' star Matt LeBlanc in the sidecar.
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