Top Gear Trio Sign Deal For Amazon Car Show

Former Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have signed a deal for a new motoring show with Amazon.

May's agent confirmed to Sky News that the programme will be available to Amazon Prime customers around the world.

The trio left the hit BBC show after Clarkson was dropped following a fracas with a member of the production staff.

A statement on Amazon's website said the show on Prime Instant Video will be produced by the presenters' long time executive producer Andy Wilman.

On working with Amazon, Jeremy Clarkson said: "I feel like I've climbed out of a bi-plane and into a spaceship."

It added that production will begin "shortly" and the episodes will air in 2016.

The announcement ends months of speculation about the stars' future after they left the BBC amid much controversy.

May joked: "We have become part of the new age of smart TV. Ironic, isn't it?"

Hammond added: "Amazon? Oh yes. I have already been there. I got bitten by a bullet ant."

It is not known how much the deal is worth.

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."

Mr Marine said that landing the new motoring show was just the start and told viewers to "expect to see more world-leading talent and the biggest shows on Prime Video".

Chris Evans has taken over as the main host of Top Gear on the BBC . It is not yet known who else will be joining the line-up.