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Entertainment • Television Presenter

James May

James Daniel May is an English television presenter, journalist, and author, born in Bristol in 1963.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

James Daniel May is an English television presenter, journalist, and author, born in Bristol in 1963. He is best known for co-presenting Top Gear from 2003 to 2015 and The Grand Tour from 2016 to 2024 alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond.

Early life and career

James May was born in Bristol in 1963 and began his professional career in journalism. Sources describe him as having worked for magazines and newspapers before moving into television presenting.

Top Gear and The Grand Tour

May became widely known as one of the three main presenters of Top Gear from 2003 to 2015. He later reunited with Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond for The Grand Tour, which ran from 2016 to 2024.

Other television work

Beyond motoring programmes, May has presented series on subjects such as science, engineering, toys, wine, food, and travel. His work often combines explanation, humour, and demonstrations of how things work.

Writing and public profile

May has written columns and books connected to motoring and other interests. He is also known for a public persona that contrasts with more aggressive or reckless presentation styles, which contributed to the 'Captain Slow' nickname.

Key facts

  • James May is best known for co-presenting Top Gear and The Grand Tour.
  • He began his career in journalism before moving into television.
  • He has presented programmes on science, technology, toys, food, drink, and travel.
  • He is nicknamed 'Captain Slow'.
  • He has written books and newspaper columns.
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Canadian context

James May has been widely known in Canada through international broadcast and streaming distribution of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, making him a familiar figure to Canadian viewers of motoring and factual entertainment.

Frequently asked questions

Who is James May?
James May is an English television presenter, journalist, and author best known for Top Gear and The Grand Tour.
What is James May's full name?
His full name is James Daniel May.
What is James May best known for?
He is best known for co-presenting Top Gear and The Grand Tour with Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond.
What is James May's nickname?
He is commonly nicknamed 'Captain Slow'.
What did James May do before television?
He worked in journalism, including for magazines and newspapers, before becoming a television presenter.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_May
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, career overview, Top Gear and The Grand Tour credits
  2. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0561982/bio/
    Supports: Birthplace, biography, nickname, and general career details
  3. BBChttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/4ySMHTF6THC0VWtyyzfmNvT/james-may
    Supports: Top Gear role, nickname 'Captain Slow', and personal profile details
  4. Simple English Wikipediahttps://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_May
    Supports: Career summary, Top Gear dates, The Daily Telegraph column, and birthplace
  5. The Movie Databasehttps://www.themoviedb.org/person/216269-james-may?language=en-US
    Supports: Career summary, programme themes, and nickname