Latest news with #motoring
The Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
The Grand Tour fans threaten to boycott Amazon Prime hit as they fume over new line up after Clarkson and co quit
FANS of The Grand Tour have threatened to boycott the Amazon Prime hit series. Longtime viewers were left fuming over the new line-up after Jeremy Clarkson decided to quit the programme. 8 8 8 After departing the BBC and leaving Top Gear behind in 2015, The Clarkson's Farm star teamed up again with his longtime colleagues. Alongside James May and Richard Hammond, he brought the on-screen band back together to make a different motoring show in 2016. The trio went on to front five full series of The Grand Tour, before airing one last special as a grand send off in September 2024. It marked the end of a 22-year-long collaboration between Jeremy, 65, James, 62, and Richard, 55. Now, it's been revealed that the series will continue on Amazon Prime but with new presenters leading the format. Thomas Holland and James Engelsman are a viral duo from the Throttle House car YouTube channel and they will be the new faces of the show. They were revealed to be the replacement from the original duo after they seemingly impressed bosses with their platform that boasts over three million subscribers. The duo will be joined by viral trainspotting personality, Francis Bourgeois, who received international fame for his enthusiasm for railways. A source previously told us: "Thomas and James are as knowledgeable about motors as Jeremy, Richard and James — the only difference is they're younger, cooler and a lot more social media savvy. "Francis became famous for his love of trainspotting and will be bringing his humour to the show." However, droves of fans have been left disappointed by the news as they flooded X, formerly known as Twitter with comments. One viewer posted: "I will watch a grand total of 0 episodes." A second stated: "Oh F**! What is the actual point? This will be a bigger disaster than Top Gear was." "The Grand Tour was created for Jeremy, Richard and James so this is feeling wrong. Why not give it a fresh new name and not linked to what was before," enquired a third user. The Grand Tour episode guide How many seasons of The Grand Tour are there and where do they take place? The Grand Tour launched on Prime Video in 2016 and quickly became one of the streamer's biggest hits as hosts Jeremy, 63, James, 60, and Richard, 52, felt it was time they move on from Top Gear hit the road. They have now brought five epic series of motoring adventures to the small screen, each taking place in different locations and even featuring celebrity guests. Series 1 Series 1 aired from 2016 to 2017 and took the presenters to a number of foreign locales, including Jordan, Morocco and Italy. The series is comprised of 13 episodes, with episodes 7 and 8 making up a two-part special set in Namibia, where the trio embarked on an epic beach buggy challenge. Series 2 Jeremy, Richard and James returned for more motoring actor in series 2, and drove their way across Europe as they tested out some of their dream vehicles like the Bugatti Chiron and the McLaren 720S. This series, which aired from 2017 to 2018, is made up of 11 episodes. It features regular 'studio segments' filmed in the team's permanent tent in the Cotswolds, and had regular participation from celebrities with two guests going head-to-head on timed laps every episode. Series 3 In 2019, the presenting trio crossed continents - from North America, to South America, to Europe and Asia - putting both new vehicles and classic sports cars through their paces. This series was the last to feature the regular studio segments, car reviews and timed laps. To mark the end of this era the final episode's last segment includes a montage of scenes featuring the presenters over the course of their career as a trio, not only from this programme, but also from their time hosting Top Gear. Series 4 This series marked a complete change in format for The Grand Tour as it consists entirely for feature-length specials which aired between 2019 and 2021. The first two chronicle Jeremy, Richard and James' epic adventures across Asia and Africa, while the third and fourth episodes saw them put foreign cars to the test on their home turf. And fitting American vehicles through Scottish roads is no easy feat. Series 5 Following the same format as series 4, the fifth and final series of The Grand Tour also consists of four feature-length specials. The first of these hits screens in 2022 and follows the trio as they travelled through Norway, Sweden and Finland in three Rally-Inspired Sports Saloons. The second episode was another Euro adventure while the third took the presenters back to Africa. The fourth instalment of the series and final ever episode of The Grand Tour, titled One for the Road, premieres on September 13, 2024. It promises to be an emotional one as the trio set out on one epic final adventure in Zimbabwe and reflect on their 22-year-long working relationship and friendship. While someone else exclaimed: "I mean what's the point the show was created for Jeremy, James and Richard." As a fifth noted: "The Grand Tour was created for Jeremy, Richard and James specifically. By all means have a new motoring show on your platform with these guys, nothing against them at all. But it would be better to just have it under a different name." A sixth fan said: "What a mess. Amazon might as well take all the money they'd be spending on this, put in a dumpster and set fire to it." They added: "An absolute waste of time and money." 8 8 8 8
The Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Who is Thomas Holland and when will the YouTube star present The Grand Tour with James Engelsman and Francis Bourgeois?
THOMAS Holland is a motoring influencer whose videos have racked up millions of views on YouTube. The star will be presenting the new series of The Grand Tour alongside his friend James Engelsman and trainspotter Francis Bourgeois. 3 3 Motoring sensation Thomas co-hosts the popular YouTube channel "Throttle House," which has amassed millions of subscribers and a global fanbase. As of May 2025, the pair have a staggering 3.2 million followers. Alongside his co-host James Engelsman, he records videos critiquing luxury cars and taking on incredible challenges. One of their most popular challenges sees them driving a luxury vehicle for over 500 miles. So far, they have completed the challenge in a Lamborghini Revuelto and a Tesla Cybertruck. Their videos are immensely popular and regularly rack up millions of views. Joining the Grand Tour Thomas and James will be presenting the latest iteration of The Grand Tour. The Amazon Prime series was previously presented by Jeremy Clarkson Richard Hammond, and James May. The trio have formally dissolved their partnership after working together for decades. They rocketed to fame with Top Gear, before starting The Grand Tour together in 2016. Thomas and James will present the show with Francis Bourgeois. Amazon has not confirmed when the new series will kick off. Working with Francis Francis Bourgeois became a social media sensation with his now-iconic trainspotting videos. Born Luke Magnus Nicolson, his videos were immensely popular during 2021 - towards the end of the Covid pandemic. His videos often see him using a fisheye lens, giving them a unique look which has been referenced in his campaigns with Gucci and ASOS. The star has already hosted Channel 4's Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois and has written The Trainspotter's Notebook.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
The Grand Tour's new 'younger and cooler' line-up 'revealed' including huge social media star - following the departures of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May
The brand new presenting line-up for The Grand Tour has reportedly been revealed, following the departures of original hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. It is said that Prime Video bosses have drafted in YouTubers Thomas Holland and James Engelsman to front the popular motoring show, in addition to social media star Francis Bourgeois. Petrol heads Thomas and James host their own YouTube show Throttle House, in which they and test and review cars, which impressively boasts over 3.2 million subscribers. While Francis, real name Luke Magnus Nicolson, is best known for his love of trainspotting and counts the Prince and Princess of Wales and Stormzy as fans. A source told The Sun: 'Thomas and James are as knowledgeable about motors as Jeremy, Richard and James - the only difference is they're younger, cooler and a lot more social media savvy. Francis became famous for his love of trainspotting and will be bringing his humour to the show.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. MailOnline have contacted Prime Video for comment. Canadian biology graduate Thomas initially launched his YouTube channel in 2015 'out of boredom'. He was joined three years later by fan James who had reached out to him asking to be part of the show. They had first met in person at a gathering of Miata car owners. Meanwhile, since his first TikTok clip, back in February 2021, Francis has risen to social media superstardom. After soaring to fame thanks to his eccentric and loveable trainspotting videos, Francis has gone on to interview stars including Louis Theroux, Craig David, Sheridan Smith and Tom Daley. He now commands a following of millions, with his TikTok account boasting more than 3.3million fans, while his Instagram has 2.4million. Previously speaking about his hobby during an interview with This Morning, he said: 'I was just fixated by these big machines. 'Ever since, I've had a passion for trains, cars, planes.' In 2023 Francis was joined by his most royal fans, the Prince and Princess of Wales as they brushed shoulders with the internet royalty during a hilarious video. Jeremy, 64, Richard, 55, and James, 62, bowed out of The Grand Tour in September last year. The original series followed the trio on a worldwide mission to meet different car manufacturers and had been on air since 2016, following their departure from Top Gear two years earlier. Their exit marked an emotional end of an era for the trio, who first started working together on Top Gear more than two decades ago. Since then, the trio have featured in Amazon Prime Video's The Not Very Grand Tour which aired its first episode on April 18 earlier this year. While Jeremy returned to the world of motoring TV after filming an episode of Car SOS. Jeremy's appearance on the motoring show came just months after the final episode of The Grand Tour aired in September. Meanwhile, Richard and James reminisced on their time on Top Gear as they took a 'traumatising' visit to their old studio - ten years on from their final show. In a video released on Wednesday, for James May's YouTube series, Planet Gin, the duo decided to revisit the office for 'reasons unknown.' James began: 'Well that is the old Top Gear studio. And that is the old Top Gear green room.' Walking a round the complex they pushed open the door to one of the abandoned trailers and reminisced on their days on set. Richard said: 'It smells the same, terrible. It's weird it seems like only yesterday but also 100 years ago. 'This is where we assembled, worked on scripts, had arguments. I feel funny. I feel funny as well. I felt really odd being here. Every week we would come here for years and years and years.' James: 'The smell of it is almost traumatising... do you think if I opened this door we'd slip through a portal and be back in 2000 and whatever it was? 'I sort of want to find something that we left here.' Richard joked: 'What like? Hope, ambition, vigour?' 'I was in the bronze Land Rover. And I sat up and thought, well, that was that.'
Telegraph
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
The worst driving etiquette offences from horn honking to tailgating
Illustrations by James Yates It appears that once they start their engines, many drivers instantly forget their road manners, a failing that has contributed to a perceived general decline in road etiquette. But what exactly is road etiquette? Motoring organisation the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has referred to it as 'a collection of unwritten road rules that drivers should abide by'. Although they're usually not enforced by law, they are behaviours that can make life more pleasant – and safer – for all. Since the days when Kenneth More's character in the classic 1953 motoring film Genevieve was the genteel embodiment of charm and affability, the volume of traffic in Great Britain has grown exponentially, from approximately 2 million cars on the road in 1950 to roughly 34 million in 2024. These days, in most cities, even a local school run can seem akin to going into battle against an army of brash, badly behaved commuters. Additional hazards include kamikaze-like moped drivers ferrying food, pedestrians with the road sense of hedgehogs, superfast scooters and cyclists who refuse to dismount when crossing zebra crossings. Other drivers to blame Certainly, the poor standard of other drivers is a perennial concern of motorists, according to the RAC's annual Report on Motoring, together with aggressive behaviour. Each year, it asks drivers which of a list of 20+ motoring topics are of the greatest concern to them (they can select up to four). The standard of other motorists' driving is consistently a top-four issue (top three before last year), while aggressive behaviour comes a little further down. Poor manners While every driver has their own bête noire, most would deplore the following displays of poor road manners: It seems that too many drivers consider indicating to be optional; it isn't. Not only is it a common cause of frustration, but it can also significantly increase the risk of an accident. Failing to indicate when turning is bad enough, but at motorway speeds, failing to indicate when changing lane can lead to terrible collisions. Habitual horn honking Horns should only be used when someone's driving is dangerous; even then, it should only be a short toot. Sustained honking is verging on road rage and is very ill-mannered. Moreover, the Highway Code stipulates that horn use in built-up areas is not permitted between 11:30pm and 7am. Failure to give way When driving on a road with parked cars, the right-of-way lies with the driver whose side of the road is clear. Yet, many drivers believe that putting their foot down and getting to the 'problem area' first automatically gives them the right of way, leaving others to do the sensible thing and give way to avoid an accident. Similarly, too few drivers acknowledge that on hills, the vehicle heading uphill has priority. Tailgating The practice of deliberately driving too closely behind another vehicle to force them to go faster or change lane is not only extremely rude but also risky. To promote better driving etiquette, one should always maintain a safe following distance, avoid aggressive manoeuvres and remain calm and patient. That said, touching your brakes a few times can be used to warn a tailgater to keep their distance. As the RAC points out, tailgating is illegal and falls under the offence of driving without due care and attention, making it a careless driving offence. Speeding Probably the most inconsiderate act of all. According to road safety charity Brake, excess speed is a factor in one in three fatal road accidents. In addition, Brake points out: 'Speeding traffic can also make our communities noisier and more polluted, discouraging walking and cycling.' Failing to let cars in and out As a rule of thumb, it's often said that if everyone lets in one car at junctions and exits, where possible, we'll all get along just fine. Of course, at busy times and when in a rush, etiquette gets forgotten. However, a wave of the hand or an acknowledgement when you've been let out is polite. Undertaking Overtaking on the inside lane, is another poor habit that increases the general stress of driving, as well as being a dangerous practice that increases the risks of a road accident should the driver you're overtaking need to change lane, perhaps to exit. Admittedly, it's often done in response to cars hogging the middle lane on motorways, a habit that infuriates other drivers and can slow traffic. Road responsibilities Unfortunately, ignorance of the rules of road etiquette is hardly a credible defence as Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns at Cycling UK, explains. 'Despite sweeping changes made to the Highway Code three years ago, huge numbers of people aren't familiar with their new responsibilities on the road. New rules like junction priority and the hierarchy of road users, which highlight the responsibility each person has to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others, aren't often followed or even known about.' He adds: 'Being overtaken too closely is a major safety concern for those that cycle and often puts people off from cycling. The Highway Code states that if you're passing someone on a bike, you should give them at least 1.5 metres space while passing and more when overtaking at higher speeds. The new junction priority rules also make it clear that you should not cut across cyclists when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane, similar to how you would not turn across the path of another motor vehicle.' Similarly, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users deserve consideration. For example, the 2022 Highway Code states that if pedestrians have started crossing the road and drivers want to turn into the road, pedestrians crossing have priority, and the traffic should give way to them. It's a rule often flouted, although headphone wearing walkers do sometimes march into the road without bothering to look out for traffic. Motorcyclists frequently suffer numerous slights from ill-mannered motorists, as Colin Brown, director of campaigns and political engagement at the Motorcyclist Action Group (MAG) explains. 'From using mobile phones and other in car entertainment distractions, to failing to look out for riders filtering between lanes or pulling out into the path of riders having failed to properly look for approaching motorcycles, the list is quite long. But I think the overarching issue is a lack of compassion and respect for riders often shown by drivers.' While acknowledging that respect is a two way street, he makes a powerful plea for more empathy from drivers. 'What may look like a motorcyclist weaving over the road is often just the rider avoiding near certain catastrophe from hitting a pothole. Filtering is legal and safe when done properly. It does not inconvenience or delay drivers so please give a little space and empathy.' Indeed, MAG runs a campaign called Filter Friendly, which explains this. Even Kenneth More's genial character in Genevieve lost his temper on the road, and most of us let ourselves down from time to time when driving. Still, it's worth remembering that while courtesy costs nothing, on the road, it might be the most valuable thing we share.
The Herald
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Lover of words has been Herald fan for more than 80 years
What is a lollapalooza? Well, many a reader of The Herald would not have known until Pat Titterington discovered the word and used it to help win herself a prize in the newspaper ' s Word Game Competition which used to run more than 30 years ago. Ninety-year-old Pat Titterington, whose husband used to write motoring articles for The Herald, has been an avid fan of The Herald since she was old enough to read, and her love of words especially unusual ones, was inspired by her father who encouraged her to do the crosswords from a very young age. This means the nonagenarian has been a fan of The Herald for almost half of its 180-year existence. Her submission of 894 words for that particular competition, which involved formulating words from a selection of published alphabetical letters, was a record at the time — 532 more than her closest rival. It took her just six hours over a weekend to compile her list of zany, weird and not-so-oft-used words and 'lollapalooza' was among them. By the way, before you check Google (which was not an option for Titterington at the time) it means, loosely, 'a real knockout' — appropriate enough since the word, and all the others she managed to compile for her entry, knocked out any competition she had from other participants. 'To be more precise, according to the dictionary, it means a person or a thing that is exceptional or extraordinary.' The word is actually an Americanism which was in use in the early 1900s. 'Somebody — I can't remember who it was — actually phoned me up from The Herald and said we're querying this one word — we've never heard of it,' Titterington chuckled. A friend for many years of former deputy editor Bob Nixon, who also wrote a gardening column for The Herald, Titterington was 58 when she won the word challenge in the early 1990s and a prize of a R500 shopping voucher. 'When I was a little girl of about four years old, our house in Sunridge Park had a glass front door and I could see the silhouette of anybody who was there. 'My dad used to pay for his Herald on a monthly basis. And there was a lady [newspaper subscription collection agent] who used to come every month and she would collect the money. 'And she would ring the bell and I could see the silhouette and I used to yell to my father: 'It's the paper lady, daddy, it's the paper lady!' Titterington remains a loyal reader of The Herald to this day after well over 80 years. Safe to say then — a real lollapalooza of a reader. The Herald
