The Grand Tour star offered a blunt response when quizzed about why the popular Prime Video series wrapped up last year.
James, along with and , were the dynamic trio that once helmed ‘s iconic car show Top Gear before they transitioned to The Grand Tour on Prime Video in 2016.
The show, which featured everything from car reviews and road trips to eccentric global challenges, was a resounding success but sadly concluded with its sixth and final season, One For The Road, last year.
During his appearance on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch on February 9, May discussed his new three-part series Great Explorers on Channel 5 with hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer.
However, conversation inevitably turned to The Grand Tour, with Lovejoy probing the 62-year-old about the reasons behind the show’s end.
James May’s blunt five-word response on why The Grand Tour ended (Image: PRIME VIDEO)
Sunday Brunch star Tim Lovejoy joked that The Grand Tour cast would reunite for the 25th anniversary in three years for the right price. (Image: CHANNEL 4)
In response, May quipped: “I just couldn’t stand them”, prompting laughter from the hosts.
He went on to explain: “I’ve said this many times. We always said, between us, that we would end it with some race, hopefully, rather than fly into the White Cliffs of Dover, desperately trying to keep it along and I think we just about managed that.
“We’d exhausted the subject, we are getting on a bit. I believe it’s time for a new generation to find a new take – I don’t know what it is.”
Rimmer then asked if it felt like the right time to conclude the series with James replying: “Yes, I think so. You can’t overstay your welcom.
“You’re supposed to leave the audience wanting more. It’s the rule of show business.”
The Grand Tour starring James May, Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson ended after six seasons in September 2024. (Image: PRIME VIDEO)
Tim playfully suggested that James, alongside and Richard Hammond, might come back together for a grand 25th-anniversary reunion if the price was right.
Reflecting on the nostalgia for past entertainment, James observed: “We’re in an era where we look back on things that were very popular in my youth.
“I’m thinking of TV shows from the 1970s and you watch them, and you go, ‘oh really’ you know, things like, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, and Let’s Be Honest and Are You Being Served?. Is that ever going to happen to Top Gear?”
The conversation took a humorous turn as Tim quipped: “Already has”, which drew laughter from the crew, while James, with a grin, concluded: “I can’t believe they put that on!”
Sunday Brunch continues every Sunday at 10am on Channel 4.