Amazon Prime Video has confirmed that TikTok trainspotting star Francis Bourgeois will become one of the new presenters of The Grand Tour, replacing Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.
The streaming giant revealed that Bourgeois will front the next era of the motoring series alongside YouTubers James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, best known for their car-focused content on YouTube.
The new series is expected to arrive in 2026, marking a major shake-up for one of the UK’s most famous entertainment motoring franchises.
The move signals a new direction for the grand tour, aiming to attract a younger online audience while keeping the show’s core car-loving fanbase.
What did Amazon Prime Video confirm about The Grand Tour presenters?
Amazon Prime Video has officially confirmed that Francis Bourgeois will join James Engelsman and Thomas Holland as the new presenting trio for The Grand Tour.
The announcement follows the departure of the show’s long-time hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, who stepped away from presenting duties in 2024.
While Amazon has not yet revealed the full format or episode count, the platform has confirmed the new presenting line-up, suggesting filming preparations are underway for a 2026 release window.
This will be the first time The Grand Tour has featured presenters who became famous primarily through TikTok and YouTube, rather than traditional television.
Who is Francis Bourgeois and why is he famous in the UK?
Francis Bourgeois became widely known after his upbeat and emotional train-spotting videos went viral on TikTok.
His signature style, including his GoPro filming, excited reactions, and genuine enthusiasm, quickly made him one of Britain’s most recognisable social media personalities.
He now has more than 6 million followers across his social media platforms, making him one of the UK’s biggest online creators in the lifestyle and transport niche.
Although he is best known for trains rather than cars, his popularity has grown into mainstream UK culture, with appearances in major media outlets and collaborations with brands.
For Amazon, Francis represents a presenter who already has a built-in fanbase and strong public appeal, particularly among younger viewers.
Who are James Engelsman and Thomas Holland from Throttle House?
James Engelsman and Thomas Holland are best known for their popular YouTube channel Throttle House, where they review, test and compare cars in an entertaining but informative style.
Their videos often feature:
- performance tests
- real-world driving impressions
- car pricing discussions
- humour-driven reviews
- side-by-side comparisons of models
Their channel has built a loyal audience by mixing professional production with relatable commentary, which fits the tone many fans expect from the Grand Tour.
Their move to Prime Video suggests Amazon wants to keep the series rooted in car culture, while modernising the format.
Why are Clarkson, May and Hammond leaving The Grand Tour?
Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond officially bowed out as presenters in 2024, ending an era that began with Top Gear and later continued on Amazon with The Grand Tour.
While Amazon and the presenters did not frame it as a sudden cancellation, the trio’s departure was widely seen as the natural conclusion of their long-running partnership after decades of motoring television.
Their exit left a major gap for the series, as the Clarkson-May-Hammond chemistry was considered the main reason the show became a global hit.
Replacing them was always going to be a risky move.
Why does this presenter change matter for UK viewers?
For UK audiences, The Grand Tour has been more than just a car show. It has been a major part of British entertainment culture, known for:
- international road trips
- big-budget stunts
- British humour
- rivalry between presenters
- supercar challenges
By bringing in a TikTok star and two YouTubers, Amazon appears to be repositioning the show for a new generation, particularly viewers who grew up on social media rather than scheduled TV.
This matters because it could decide whether the grand tour remains a major UK streaming hit or whether fans lose interest without the original trio.
Will the new Grand Tour still feel like the original show?
That remains the biggest question. Clarkson, Hammond and May built their brand around banter, controversy, and unpredictable road-trip adventures.
Francis Bourgeois brings a completely different energy, more wholesome and enthusiastic, while Throttle House is known for structured reviews and car analysis.
Amazon could take one of two approaches:
- Keep the original adventure format, but refresh the humour and tone
- Shift to a more review-based motoring format, closer to YouTube-style car journalism
If Amazon blends both styles, it may appeal to both traditional fans and younger viewers.
However, long-term fans may worry the show will lose the chaotic personality that made it famous.
What could the new format look like on Prime Video?
Amazon has not confirmed the structure yet, but based on the presenters’ strengths, viewers could see a mix of:
- cinematic driving challenges
- UK-based motoring specials
- road trips across Europe
- car testing segments similar to Throttle House
- “transport culture” episodes featuring trains, engineering, or unusual vehicles
Francis Bourgeois’s background also opens the door for episodes featuring British transport history, rail travel, or behind-the-scenes access to iconic UK rail routes.
That would be a fresh twist, and it could help separate the new series from the Clarkson-era format.
Why social media stars now dominate UK entertainment
Francis Bourgeois joining a major Prime Video series reflects a wider UK trend. Streaming services increasingly recruit creators who already have massive audiences online, because it reduces marketing risk.
Instead of building a presenter from scratch, platforms can instantly tap into millions of followers.
The BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 have all experimented with influencer-led content in recent years, particularly in factual entertainment.
Amazon’s decision to reboot The Grand Tour with online-first talent fits the same strategy: grab younger viewers who spend more time on TikTok and YouTube than on traditional television.
What are fans saying about Francis Bourgeois joining The Grand Tour?
Reaction online has been mixed. Some fans have welcomed the change, calling it a “fresh start” and praising Francis for his genuine personality. Others have questioned whether a trainspotter can carry a car-based show with such a big legacy.
Many viewers also believe James Engelsman and Thomas Holland could provide credibility, as they already have years of experience reviewing performance cars.
The biggest concern from long-term fans is whether the chemistry will match the iconic trio that defined the show for more than two decades.
When will the new series of The Grand Tour be released?
Amazon Prime Video is expected to release the new series later in 2026, although an exact date has not been announced.
Production timelines suggest the show could begin filming in 2025, depending on scheduling, international travel, and budget planning.
Until Amazon confirms an official release date, the 2026 launch remains an expectation rather than a locked-in premiere.
