New Hosts for The Grand Tour Announced

Prime Video has chosen three new people to host The Grand Tour. Francis Bourgeois, known for TikTok, and James Engelsman and Thomas Holland from the YouTube channel Throttle House, will now lead the car show.
By Newsroom | Television, Cars |

Prime Video Introduces Social Media Personalities and Automotive YouTubers to Iconic Car Show

Prime Video has revealed a new slate of presenters for its long-running car series, The Grand Tour. The announcement brings Francis Bourgeois, alongside James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, into the roles previously held by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. The move signifies a shift in the show's presentation, integrating personalities from online platforms with established automotive content creators.

The former hosts concluded their tenure with The Grand Tour in 2024, following a final special filmed in Botswana. The forthcoming series, set to be a six-part installment, will feature the new trio traversing diverse global landscapes in various vehicles. This change is part of a wider strategy by Prime Video to leverage online talent and engage new audiences for the unscripted UK Original series, which is broadcast in over 240 countries.

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The core event is the official confirmation of new hosts for The Grand Tour, marking a departure from the original presenting team and highlighting the integration of social media influencers into mainstream television.

New Hosts Unveiled

Amazon Prime Video confirmed the new lineup for The Grand Tour on February 5th, 2026, after weeks of rumors. The official reveal showcased Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland as the successors to the original presenting team.

Who is new Grand Tour star Francis Bourgeois? Real name revealed - 1

  • Francis Bourgeois: A prominent TikTok and social media personality, Bourgeois gained significant traction through his widely shared videos focusing on trainspotting. His real name has been identified as Luke Nicolson and also Luke Magnus Nicolson across different reports. He has cultivated a large online following, exceeding six million followers across his social media accounts. Bourgeois has also expanded his activities to include modeling and authoring a book. His involvement is seen as bringing a "different energy" to the show.

  • James Engelsman and Thomas Holland: These two are recognized as the creators and hosts of the popular automotive YouTube channel, Throttle House. Their channel features in-depth car reviews, track tests, and content centered on a variety of vehicles, from modern supercars to classic and unusual builds. Holland is also noted as an automotive journalist and amateur racing driver based in Canada, with a focus on high-performance vehicles. Engelsman has developed a reputation for his enthusiast perspective and diverse automotive interests. The two have collaborated on car films for nearly a decade.

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The new trio is set to lead the show in a six-part series. Initial reports suggest their adventures will include journeys through the Angolan desert, exploration of Malaysia’s car culture, and testing of performance cars in California.

The selection of these individuals signals Prime Video's intent to modernize and broaden the appeal of The Grand Tour, by incorporating personalities with established digital followings.

Background and Context of the Transition

The announcement follows a significant period of change for The Grand Tour. The departure of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May marked the end of an era for the show, which had defined itself through their on-screen dynamic for over a decade. Their final special was aired in 2024, prompting an extensive search for suitable replacements.

Prime Video has emphasized the significant effort involved in selecting the new presenters. Tara Erer, Head of UK & Northern Europe Originals at Prime Video, described the selection process as finding "three standout talents" capable of carrying the franchise forward while maintaining its adventurous spirit. She noted that The Grand Tour is Prime Video’s most watched unscripted UK Original series globally, indicating the high stakes involved in this transition.

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Who is new Grand Tour star Francis Bourgeois? Real name revealed - 2

The inclusion of social media stars is a trend observed more broadly in UK entertainment. Bourgeois's appointment, in particular, reflects this shift. While The Grand Tour has historically been perceived as primarily a car show, its success has also been tied to the personalities of its hosts.

The transition from the original presenters to a new team is framed by Prime Video as a deliberate and extensive process to ensure the continued success and evolution of a flagship program.

Reception and Online Reactions

The reveal of the new presenters has elicited a range of responses from the public and online communities. While Prime Video and the involved parties have expressed optimism, public reaction appears to be mixed.

Some comments from individuals associated with the show suggest enthusiasm for the new direction. James Engelsman remarked that the inclusion of Francis Bourgeois was a pivotal element, stating, "Who knew that all this time, the one ingredient that was missing was a Francis Bourgeois?" Thomas Holland reportedly expressed initial reservations about taking on the role, noting, "When I first heard they were rebooting The Grand Tour and replacing Clarkson, Hammond and May, I said ‘only a moron would take that job.’"

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Who is new Grand Tour star Francis Bourgeois? Real name revealed - 3

However, broader online discussions, as noted in some reports, have indicated mixed reactions. This suggests a segment of the audience remains reserved or critical regarding the choice of presenters, potentially due to their backgrounds in social media and trainspotting, which differ from the established automotive journalism and presenting experience of the original hosts.

The audience's response to the new hosts is divided, reflecting differing expectations for the future direction of The Grand Tour.

Expert and Industry Perspectives

Industry executives at Prime Video have framed the selection as a success. Tara Erer described the new trio as "three standout talents" chosen to "strike gold" in replacing the previous hosts. This perspective underscores the company's confidence in the new lineup's ability to carry the franchise forward.

The integration of social media personalities into mainstream entertainment, exemplified by Bourgeois's move to The Grand Tour, is viewed as a significant trend. This approach aims to tap into existing digital audiences and leverage their established online presence. The show's producers appear to be banking on the inherent appeal and reach of these personalities to rejuvenate and expand the show's viewership.

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Who is new Grand Tour star Francis Bourgeois? Real name revealed - 4

Prime Video views the new presenters as a strategic choice, aiming to capitalize on their existing online popularity to boost the show's global reach and viewership.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The appointment of Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland as the new hosts of The Grand Tour represents a significant pivot for the program. By bringing in personalities with substantial followings on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, Prime Video signals an intent to embrace a new era of automotive entertainment.

The success of this transition will hinge on several factors:

  • Audience Adaptation: Whether existing fans of The Grand Tour will embrace the new presenters and their styles.

  • Content Quality: The ability of the new trio to deliver compelling automotive adventures and maintain the show's signature blend of humor and exploration.

  • Digital Synergy: How effectively the show can leverage the online presence of its new hosts to enhance engagement and viewership.

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The show is slated to return later this year with a six-part series. The chosen presenters bring a combination of viral internet fame and established automotive content creation, a mix that Prime Video believes will ensure the franchise's continued prominence. The coming series will be a critical indicator of whether this strategy of integrating social media influencers into a legacy television format will prove successful.

The future of The Grand Tour rests on the ability of its new, digitally-native presenters to connect with a broad audience and deliver content that satisfies both long-time fans and new viewers drawn from online platforms.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are the new hosts of The Grand Tour?
The new hosts are Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman, and Thomas Holland.
Q: Where are the new hosts from?
Francis Bourgeois is known from TikTok. James Engelsman and Thomas Holland are from the YouTube channel Throttle House.
Q: Why are there new hosts?
The old hosts, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, finished their time on the show. Prime Video chose new presenters to continue the show.
Q: What is Francis Bourgeois known for?
Francis Bourgeois is famous for his trainspotting videos on TikTok and other social media.