James May reveals plans to reunite with Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond weeks after The Grand Tour ended
JAMES May has revealed plans to reunite with Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond weeks after their show The Grand Tour ended.
He moved away from the high octane motoring shows with his new solo project James May and The Dull Men's Club.
The new series explores the world of the “Dull Men’s Club,” a viral members group born from Facebook.
Dull Men's Club, founded by 77-year-old retired tax attorney Leland Carson, celebrates the buzz of dull hobbies and interests.
It provides an internet safe space for those who find pleasure in the simple things, such as collecting bricks or photographing mailboxes.
James’s new show reflects that philosophy, presenting a unique perspective on everyday life.
The Grand Tour
As James questions and test unique ideas, such as whether a washing machine can be used as a cooker.
In an interview with James exclaims: “I don’t think it is dull! I’m a bit bored with the idea that men are dull because they like going into their workshops or lofts to make things or paint pictures.
"I’ve argued with the producers and the channel about this – it’s meant ironically.
"I don’t think we should use it to beat men and say the era of ‘the bloke’ is over.
"Some basic manly qualities are under threat. Many people mistakenly think it’s dull – but we’ll show them!”
While James is known for his work on high-octane motoring programs he explains that as he's got older he much prefers to potter around in his shed.
But James is surprised that Jeremy's solo project, Clarkson's Farm is still running because he doesn't think Jeremy is very practical.
"He's deeply afraid of anything physical or manual. It's given him a new purpose, which he possibly needed.
"Maybe it’s a big moment for all of us. We've paused to think about who we really are." he explains.
Talking about his relationship with Jeremy and Richard now that The Grand Tour is finished he said: “I’ve spoken to them a few times and I suspect we’ll go out for a beer somewhere."
James May's career to date
TV presenter and journalist James May has enjoyed a long on-screen career, with a main focus on motoring. Here is a look at some of his biggest projects.
- Top Gear (1999): James was a briefly a host on the original 1977 to 2001 iteration of the popular motoring show. The likes of Angela Rippon, Andy Wilman, Noel Edmonds, Kate Humble and Jeremy Clarkson were also presenters at various points.
- Top Gear (Revived series, 2003-2015): After Jason Dawe departed following series one of the revival, James boarded the revived Top Gear in 2003. He starred alongside Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and The Stig until 2015, when the main trio left the programme.
- Oz and James's Big Wine Adventure (2006-2007): This show featured wine expert Oz Clarke attempting to educate James about wine while undertaking a road trip. The programme lasted two series. A sequel titled Oz and James Drink to Britain aired in 2009.
- James May's Toy Stories (2009 to 2014): This programme featured well-known toys from the past being brought into the modern era through a complex, large-scale project involving the nature of the toy. James created, co-wrote, presented and narrated the show.
- The Grand Tour (2016 to 2024): Conceived following James and his co-stars leaving Top Gear, The Grand Tour launched on Amazon Prime Video in 2016. The trio were joined by producer Andy Wilman, who also made the move.
- James May: Our Man in... (2020-present): A travel documentary series for Amazon Prime Video, which has seen James visit Japan, Italy and India so far.
- James May: Oh Cook! (2020 - present): As the title suggests, this is a cooking programme hosted by James and it is released via Amazon Prime Video. The programme features the presenter trying to cook a variety of different dishes, with each episode focusing on a cuisine.
"Just because we can, not because we have to come up with some gags, plan a road trip or choose some cars, but for the hell of it. It’d be quite interesting.” he added.
Earlier this year, James opened up to about his reasons for wanting to call time on the motoring show.
He admitted his health played a factor as he recognised he’s not as young as he was when Top Gear started back in 2002.
He explained The Grand Tour was even more action packed and it has not been without injuries.
Admitting that the stunts involved can take a bit of a toll, James said: “I won’t really miss the stress of it because I’m old now and a bit frail compared with back then.”
After over twenty years of working with Jeremy and Richard, he explained that it felt it was time to stop while they could still end the show on a high note.
He explains the different experience of filming The Dull Men's Club: "It’s the difference between pottering and going out to work.
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"We had 60 or 70 people on those big trips. While not arduous, it got quite intense and stressful. Here, it’s seven of us, which is relatively relaxed."
James May & The Dull Men's Club is available to stream on Discovery+