The production of The Grand Tour, the former Top Gear crew's new series for Amazon, has been shrouded in secrecy, but executive producer Andy Wilman released some fresh nuggets of information at an appearance at the Edinburgh International Television Festival.
He discussed the process of filming with Clarkson, May, and Hammond as the trio prepare to unveil their new series.
Here's what we know:
- He told the audience that 90% of the show's set pieces have been recorded, and the final edit of episode two is almost 'in the can.'
- The main focus now is filming live audience segments in a giant tent that is travelling around the world. It's already been to South Africa and is going to the UK and California.
- The production has faced number of legal difficulties making sure that it doesn't infringe on BBC's Top Gear copyright. This means no Stig, no section called 'the news,' and no 'star in a reasonably priced car.'
- He revealed that he has not been told when Amazon will release the series.
- There's also going to be a stunt that will take place on the set of HBO's Game of Thrones.
- It is also unclear if all the episodes will be posted in one go, or week by week instead. The producer prefers the latter option.
- Free from the restriction of TV schedules, the episodes are likely to vary in length.
- Mr Wilman noted the long shelf life of the trio's previous work showed that The Grand Tour may eventually end up on TV stations (joking that Dave is a likely home for the re-runs).
- The programme has been filmed in 4k ultra HD.
- Amazon has the option to extend this deal after it has run its course.
- Wilman, a former producer on the BBC show, said that he did not watch any episodes of the reboot which has failed to attract audiences anywhere near those of the original.
- He added that before the Clarkson sacking there was already a "broken relationship" between the show and the BBC.
The first series will have 12 episodes, and will be available exclusively through Amazon's streaming service.