The much-beloved recent era of Top Gear came to a surprisingly un-British close a few months ago when Jeremy Clarkson, host for twenty-two seasons, allegedly threw a punch at a producer over a lack of hot food on set (this is what the Brits call a “fracas,” ladies and gents), and was canned for his actions. Fellow hosts Richard Hammond and James May walked out with him, and the BBC started scrambling for what to do next.
Since that March incident, rumors (or rumours, in this case) have been swirling about the trio signing a deal with Netflix for a new show, which turned out to be true, but only partly so. Amazon, who’ve made some big TV signings in recent months for their Amazon Prime Instant Video feature (including Woody Allen’s upcoming foray into the TV world), have signed a deal with Clarkson, Hammond, and May that will deliver a new Top Gear-style show at some point in 2016, and will last for three seasons.
Serendipitously—or possibly not serendipitously at all, and, in fact, very calculatedly—today’s news also comes with it some strong rumours out of the BBC, with both former model Jodie Kidd and Formula One driver Jenson Button tied–in to be the new Top Gear co-hosts alongside Chris Evans (as in, the British television personality Chris Evans—not Captain America, you Yanks).
More updates to follow. Prepare your afternoon tea.
(via The Independent)
