James May, former co-presenter of the popular motoring show Top Gear, has expressed his views on the need for the show to evolve with the times. May, who hosted the show alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond before they moved on to Prime Video’s The Grand Tour, believes that Top Gear was very much a product of its era and that changes to the format are necessary to revive the series for modern audiences.
The BBC had recently put Top Gear on hold after co-host Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff was involved in a crash during filming in December 2022. May shared his thoughts with the Telegraph, mentioning that societal attitudes towards cars have shifted, becoming more politically charged in recent times. He defended the trio from accusations of sexism and misogyny, stating that their portrayal was simply an honest reflection, albeit through the lens of car enthusiasts.
May highlighted the trio’s willingness to court controversy, with Clarkson’s role being to provoke with his polarising comments. Despite facing criticism from various diplomatic quarters during their tenure, May emphasised that Clarkson’s provocations were intentional, as it was part of his persona to be abrasive.
Moving forwards, May discussed his upcoming show, “James May And The Dull Men’s Club,” where he explores traditional male pastimes and roles in a light-hearted manner. He explained the concept as a humorous take on how activities once considered traditionally masculine are now often viewed as dull or uninteresting by society.
Meanwhile, Flintoff, who had taken over as a host of Top Gear alongside Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris, has been gradually resuming his public engagements following the crash. He recently appeared in a BBC series and is set to host a Christmas special for the darts-themed show Bullseye.
Flintoff candidly shared his struggles with anxiety and trauma post-accident, shedding light on the mental health challenges he faced in the aftermath. Despite the setbacks, Flintoff’s return to hosting duties signals a positive step forward in his recovery and reintegration into the public eye.
As Top Gear remains on hiatus, May’s reflections and Flintoff’s journey serve as poignant reminders of the impact and challenges faced by personalities in the entertainment industry. The evolution of shows like Top Gear mirrors broader societal changes, highlighting the need for adaptation and inclusivity in modern media narratives.