is “not depressed” about ending, joking in a surprising remark that it was time to stop the show because the three presenters were “on the brink of death”.
The 61-year-old TV star co-hosted the programme alongside his fellow former presenters and , and he is “not full of woe and regret” about the last-ever episode, which premiered earlier this month, because the trio ended “on a high note”.
Speaking at Market Place Vauxhall – where vendors have collaborated with the star to create limited-edition James Gin-infused dishes for one week only – he said: “Nothing will ever be as big as Top Gear and The Grand Tour were, so I’m not full of woe and regret.”
He went on: “It was time to stop. We are all getting quite old. One or two of us are on the brink of death, and I hope we left on a high note with people wanting more, because that’s what you’re supposed to do in show business. So, I’m not depressed about it. It’s a time for reflection, a reflection usually leads to another gin.”
As well as being busy with James Gin, the star also has a couple of TV projects lined up this year. When asked what he has coming up after The Grand Tour finished, he added: “It’s a bit of a grey fog. I am involved in a couple of TV projects.”
James May has opened up about the end of The Grand Tour (Image: PA)
He added: “One about making things and one about great explorers of the age of sail. But they’re not on until quite a bit later this year.”
Earlier this month, fans of The Grand Tour were left in tears after watching the hit show’s final ever episode. The episode, titled One For the Road, had viewers feeling all kinds of emotions as it took the legendary Top Gear trio on a nostalgic ride through Zimbabwe in some retro motors, hitting those emotional pit stops along the way.
Reaching their journey’s end, they chose to wrap up the series at the very spot where they concluded their first-ever Top Gear special in Botswana, creating an incredibly touching bookend for their motoring saga.
The episode weaved together scenes from their seminal 2007 journey with their recent escapades, it struck a deep chord with fans, reminiscent of the early and final laps of their iconic careers.
Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May star in The Grand Tour (Image: Amazon Prime)
Tearful tributes flooded in as die-hard enthusiasts struggled to hold back their emotions, with an outpouring of love expected as many more plan to watch Jeremy, Richard and James bid their heartfelt adieu in the show.
Scores of emotional followers shared their feelings on X (formerly Twitter) as the closing credits marked the end of an era for The Grand Tour.
“Just finished the final @thegrandtour episode…” confessed one, “Gonna just go cry myself to sleep.” They even admitted: “Worst part is that Top Gear is my go-to sleep sound… and now I don’t even think that I’ll be able to watch it for at least a month without crying.”
While another fan remarked: “I’m not crying. I’m just allergic to watching my favourite show end.”
Dabbing their eyes, another quipped: “I’m not crying! You’re crying.”
“This is the best and worst early birthday present ever…” one viewer shared with mixed feelings about their experience. “One way I am so happy it’s out and on the other and… screw you I am not crying.” (sic)
Another fervent fan stated: “Just watched the last episode of #TheGrandTour, for most of the episode I had a giant smile on my face but the last few minutes I was fighting back the tears.” (sic)
Expressing deep appreciation, a fan penned: “Thank you , James May and Richard Hammond for 22 years of pure joy.” While another loyal viewer remarked: “Today marks the end of an era for #TheGrandTour.” (sic)
The Grand Tour is available to stream now, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.