Jeremy Clarkson, the renowned presenter of The Grand Tour, has recently made a surprising confession about his behavior during the filming of the final episode of the popular show. Alongside his co-stars James May and Richard Hammond, Clarkson admitted to being ‘mostly smashed’ while shooting the last installment of the Amazon Prime series. This revelation came during a Q&A session following a premiere screening of The Grand Tour: One For The Road.
The trio, who first graced our screens together on Top Gear 22 years ago, have garnered a massive following over the years for their adventurous spirit and captivating banter. As they bid farewell to television with the conclusion of The Grand Tour, Clarkson decided to lift the veil on some of their behind-the-scenes escapades. He candidly shared that a significant portion of a cargo plane was filled with beer instead of the usual camera equipment required for filming.
Clarkson humorously disclosed, “We had a big cargo plane… and we didn’t fill the plane. So there was a third of it left – we thought, ‘Well, what should we put on that?’ Beer was the answer. So we had a third of an Antonov of beer to get through on that one.” He further elaborated on their drinking habits during filming, stating, “But we do drink a lot, we are mostly smashed… hopefully, nobody will notice that at the end of that lake crossing most of that drink had gone.”
Despite their revelry, the final episode of The Grand Tour left fans in tears as Clarkson, Hammond, and May embarked on a poignant journey to Zimbabwe in cars they had always desired. The trio decided to culminate their time on the road by revisiting Kubu Island in Botswana, a location that held sentimental value from their Top Gear days. Clarkson emotionally reflected on their adventures, stating, “We’ve traveled thousands and thousands and thousands of miles and had thousands and thousands and thousands of adventures. And we’re going to end up right where we started.”
As the trio navigated their way through Zimbabwe, Clarkson choked up upon discovering the cars they had driven in the 2007 special lying by the roadside. The emotional resonance of the final episode was palpable as Hammond shared his sentiments about their enduring journey together. He expressed, “Never thought that what we do together would go on as it has. I can’t pretend it isn’t going to be a wrench ending this, because it is.”
The heartfelt conclusion of The Grand Tour marked the end of an era for Clarkson, Hammond, and May, who have entertained audiences with their unique brand of humor and camaraderie. Clarkson’s admission of being ‘mostly smashed’ during filming provided a glimpse into the off-screen dynamics of the trio, showcasing their bond and shared experiences over the years.
Looking ahead, Clarkson acknowledged the physical demands of filming the show, noting that he felt unfit and fatigued at times. As the curtain falls on The Grand Tour, fans are left to ponder the possibility of a new motoring show to fill the void left by the iconic trio. While Clarkson, Hammond, and May contemplate their next endeavors, the legacy of their on-screen chemistry and escapades will endure in the hearts of viewers worldwide.