Top Gear Presenter, Aged 60, Deemed ‘Over the Hill’ for Upcoming Motoring Programme
James May believes that the moment has come for a fresh motoring show to step into the shoes vacated by Top Gear and The Grand Tour.
The presenter, aged 60, known for co-hosting alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, has expressed a desire for a new programme. However, he noted that both he and his fellow presenter are considered ‘too old’ for the role.
Towards the end of last year, the BBC formally announced the decision to ‘rest’ Top Gear indefinitely. This move came after the show was taken off air in 2022 due to Freddie Flintoff’s serious accident, which concluded his on-screen collaboration with Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris.
Simultaneously, news surfaced in November that James, Richard, and Jeremy had wrapped up filming the finale for The Grand Tour, with no further series in the pipeline.
Speaking to The Sun, James highlighted the potential for a more substantial, consumer-focused car show, stating that the current landscape presents an opportune moment for such content.
“What lies ahead for the automobile – its ownership, evolving attitudes, usage patterns, disposal methods, and power sources – presents an intriguing narrative. This era marks the most fascinating juncture in the history of cars since their inception. I firmly believe that, in due course, a more contemporary car show will emerge to delve into these compelling developments.
Regrettably, our inability to spearhead this lies in our advanced age.”
However, he hasn’t dismissed the possibility of joining forces again with Jeremy, aged 63, and Richard, aged 54, for another project down the line.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: “I wouldn’t rule it out, but we have to consider that we’re all advancing in years. We’ve completed two episodes of the Grand Tour, one is due for release shortly, and another will follow thereafter. What unfolds between now and then, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Meanwhile, the BBC affirmed its future collaborations with Paddy, Chris, and Freddie despite the pause on Top Gear.
In a statement to PA last November, the BBC stated: “The BBC remains dedicated to Freddie, Chris, and Paddy, pivotal to the show’s revival since 2019, and we’re enthusiastic about upcoming ventures with each of them.
“We’ll have more updates soon. While we understand that resting the show might disappoint fans, it’s the appropriate decision.”
