London - Although it’s not yet scheduled for broadcast on South African television, one last episode of Top Gear with former hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, is set to air overseas on Sunday night.
The show, which will inevitably be available through internet channels as a downloadable feature soon, was originally planned to screen as two episodes but was later condensed into one final farewell showing, following the BBC’s decision to fire Clarkson and the subsequent departure of his two co-hosts. Clarkson has admitted that after 13 years of hosting the hugely popular programme, he will tune in to watch the finale “with a tear in his eye”.
But it’s not yet curtains for Clarkson or Top Gear. The BBC announced last week that it will indeed produce a 23rd season of Top Gear with British radio presenter Chris Evans now at the helm, and that auditions for two new co-hosts are currently underway. The new-look Top Gear will likely air around April next year.
CLARKSON CLOSE TO A DEAL?
Clarkson on the other hand has yet to reveal his plans but speculation is rife that he, together with May and Hammond will unveil a new motoring show within the next few weeks.
Given their massive global appeal, the three are now said to be in a three-way tug of war with UK-based broadcaster ITV and American on-demand giants Amazon and Netflix. The smart money seems to be on one of the latter two, based on off-the-cuff comments muttered at the Clarkson, Hammond and May Live show held in Johannesburg recently.
Hammond mentioned during one of the live performances that fans can look forward to a new American car programme, and Clarkson followed with a quick “don’t give away all of our secrets” rebuttal.
We’ll let you know as soon as we do about all of the above, as well as the possible airing of the last Clarkson-hosted Top Gear episode On BBC Entertainment on Dstv channel 120.
Star Motoring