Business · Wiltshire-wide
James May addresses future of Top Gear trio reunion from Wiltshire base
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Television personality James May has ruled out immediate plans for a professional reunion with former colleagues Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond as he focuses on his business ventures in Wiltshire.
Television presenter James May has signalled that a future professional reunion with his former Top Gear and The Grand Tour co-hosts, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, is unlikely to happen in the near future. The 63-year-old, who maintains a home in Wiltshire, explained that while he prefers not to rule anything out entirely, there are currently no plans for the trio to collaborate on a new project.
Speaking in a recent interview, May described the prospect of another television reunion as difficult to envisage. He noted that the three presenters have reached a stage in their careers where they are, in his words, knocking on a bit. Following the conclusion of The Grand Tour in 2024, the presenters have moved on to focus on individual interests and separate commercial ventures.
For May, this has meant dedicating significant energy to his business activities within the county. Since 2020, he has been a director and co-owner of The Royal Oak, a village pub located in Swallowcliffe, near Salisbury. May has frequently spoken about the realities of operating a hospitality business in the current climate, noting that despite the initial appeal of the project, the day-to-day management of the venue has proven to be a complex challenge.
In addition to his involvement in the hospitality sector, May has expanded into the spirits industry with the launch of his award-winning gin brand, James Gin. The distiller, created alongside business partner Hugh Anderson, reportedly grew out of May’s efforts to support the future of his local village pub. The brand has since become a significant focus of his professional life.
Away from traditional media broadcasting, May has also built a following through his digital channel, James May’s Planet Gin . Through this platform, he shares insights into a variety of topics including travel, motoring, and culinary interests, providing updates to his audience on his ongoing projects.
While his career in mainstream motoring television appears to be paused, May continues to divide his time between London and his home in Wiltshire, maintaining his strong ties to the local area even as he pivots towards new business and independent digital ventures.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original