Following Jeremy Clarkson's ignominious exit from the BBC, the Top Gear team have finally found a new home.
The trio will front an as yet untitled show on Amazon Prime starting next year and produced by former Top Gear executive Andy Wilman, the man who revamped the BBC show and gave it its adventure focus. Three series have already been commissioned.
"Customers told us they wanted to see the team back on screen, and we are excited to make that happen," said Jay Marine, vice president of Amazon Prime Video EU.
We've got a brand new ride. #OnlyOnAmazonPrime #Drive2Prime http://t.co/ebJJAd8gP2 pic.twitter.com/SzBPvPfWTQ
— Amazon Instant Video (@AmazonVideoUK) July 30, 2015
"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."
Amazon is thought to have made a "significant investment" to land the team, who rallied together following the infamous "fracas" that Clarkson became embroiled in at a Yorkshire hotel.
Hammond and May said they wanted nothing to do with the BBC's new version of Top Gear, which will be fronted by Chris Evans and, if rumours are to be believed, Jenson Button and Jodie Kidd.
.@AmazonVideoUK now saying I can't be their chief drone pilot. Apparently they want us to make a car show.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) July 30, 2015
I've got a job I've got a job I've got a job. Haircut, clean jeans and practice driving again. Forrrrwaaaaaaaard!!
— Richard Hammond (@RichardHammond) July 30, 2015
Good news! I've got a job with @AmazonVideoUK. Bad news! So have the other two. #AmazonPrime #ItSaysHere
— James May (@MrJamesMay) July 30, 2015
It was previously thought that the presenters would head to Netflix, but it seems Amazon ultimately won the bidding war.
Top Gear fans who haven't already signed up to Amazon Prime will have to shell out £79 in annual subscription fees to watch the show.
Though he was initially sad to be leaving the BBC, Clarkson told the Evening Standard: "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," Hammond added, with May commenting: "We have become part of the new age of smart TV. Ironic, isn't it?"
Amazon Prime has promised to give them "creative freedom" on the show, and allow them "to be innovative and make the shows they want to make".
