Former Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have signed a deal for a new motoring show with Amazon's streaming service.
The trio left the hit BBC show after Clarkson was dropped from Top Gear following a fracas with the show's Irish producer Oisin Tymon during which he allegedly punched him and called him "lazy".
The new show is due to run for three series initially and will begin broadcasting next year around the world on Amazon Prime.
Jay Marine, Vice President of Amazon Prime Video EU, said: "Customers told us they wanted to see the team back on screen, and we are excited to make that happen.
"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.
In a statement from Amazon, Clarkson said: "I feel like I've climbed out of a biplane and into a spaceship."
Hammond said: "Amazon? Oh yes. I have already been there. I got bitten by a bullet ant." And May added: "We have become part of the new age of smart TV. Ironic, isn't it?"
The presenters have also taken to social media to express their excitement at the move.
I'm very excited to announce that Hammond, May and I have signed a deal with .@AmazonVideo
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) 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
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
We've got a brand new ride. #OnlyOnAmazonPrime #Drive2Prime http://t.co/ebJJAd8gP2 pic.twitter.com/SzBPvPfWTQ
— Amazon Instant Video (@AmazonVideoUK) July 30, 2015
Chris Evans, who was unveiled as the new host of Top Gear, today signed up an old friend to help him rebrand the show.
Lisa Clark, who previously worked as a producer with Evans on The Big Breakfast was praised by the new presenter who said “Lisa is as good as it gets when it comes to making big, important television shows"
Clark takes on the role previously held by Andy Wilman who left the show after Clarkson was axed. He will now become Executive Producer on the new Amazon show.
Today's announcement is seen as a significant move by Amazon Prime, which is competing against other streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and iTunes.
