Former ‘Top Gear’ presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond have found themselves a new home on Amazon Prime.
The trio have signed a deal with the company’s instant video service, after forming a new production company alongside former ‘Top Gear’ executive producer Andy Wilman.
James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond
Jeremy has shared his joy at nabbing the deal, stating: “I feel like I’ve climbed out of a bi-plane and into a spaceship.”
“Amazon? Oh yes. I have already been there. I got bitten by a bullet ant,” adds Richard Hammond, who will front his own Sky show set in the Amazon later this year, while James May says: “We have become part of the new age of smart TV. Ironic, isn’t it?”
Naturally, all three presenters also took to Twitter once the news was confirmed:
Jay Marine, Amazon Prime Video EU’s vice president, concludes: “Customers told us they wanted to see the team back on screen, and we are excited to make that happen.
“Millions of Prime members are already enjoying our ground-breaking original shows. We can’t wait to see what Jeremy, Richard, James and the team will create in what is sure to be one of the most globally anticipated shows of 2016.”
The new, global deal means there will be a minimum of three series, of an as-yet-unnamed show, and the series premiere will be in early 2016.
READ MORE:
Amazon’s Prime service costs subscribers £79 a year, and while details of the presenters’ pay will not be disclosed, a source tells the Evening Standard: “We have made a significant investment.”
The programme will serve as a direct rival for ‘Top Gear’, which is due to return with Chris Evans and two other co-hosts at the helm.
Amazon currently make a number of original shows, that are available exclusively to subscribers, includng 'Transparent', 'Black Sails, and 'Extant', which stars Halle Berry.
It was previously believed that the trio could sign a deal with Netflix.
Earlier this month, Richard confirmed the inevitable, stating that he wouldn't be parting from his former co-hosts any time soon.
Richard and James made the decision to leave 'Top Gear', when Jeremy was ditched by bosses, following a now-infamous fracas with a producer.