What do a music composer, lovable larrikin and a TV host have in common with millions of people around the world? The need for speed.
Paramount+ and BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand today announced a new Australian version of Top Gear, the globally acclaimed series known for its adrenaline-fuelled adventures and outrageous challenges, is parking itself on Paramount+ Australia in 2024. The series will be produced by BBC Studios local production arm.
It wouldn’t be Top Gear without the high-octane antics, so rest assured, they aren’t going anywhere. But in 2024, the mechanics behind Top Gear Australia have given the series an epic tune up, introducing three new hosts. In the driver’s seat is music composer and car enthusiast, Blair Joscelyne, loveable larrikin Beau Ryan and Jonathan LaPaglia.
Blair “Moog” Joscelyne is the co-creator of the popular indie auto YouTube series Mighty Car Mods. With his best mate Marty Mulholland, the independent automotive series began back in 2007, when Marty and Moog started filming videos in Marty’s mum’s driveway.
They’ve come a long way since then with over half a billion YouTube views, making it the #1 DIY Automotive channel in Australia, and one of the most watched automotive programs in the world. Blair is also an accomplished music composer, musician, producer, and film maker.
Blair said: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity when you get asked to be part of one of the biggest motoring shows in the world. And I will take my job seriously of frying the tyres of any vehicle that the producers are irresponsible enough to hand me the keys to.”
It’s no secret that Australia can’t get enough of this guy. A prankster with boundless energy, Beau Ryan is not only the host of The Amazing Race Australia, but in 2024 he will also co-host the highly anticipated series, Gladiators, on 10.
Beau’s cheeky sense of humour and bloke-next-door attitude make him the perfect co-driver for Top Gear Australia.
Beau Ryan said: “I’m super excited to be part of such an iconic franchise and can’t wait to bring it back to Australia. So, fasten your seatbelts, because this is going to be one hell of a ride!”
Internationally acclaimed actor, Jonathan LaPaglia, a true connoisseur of cars, has been steering Australian Survivor castaways through their most demanding trials, and he’s now revving up for his most adrenaline-fueled adventure to date.
Jonathan LaPaglia said: “When Network 10 and BBC Studios asked me if I’d be interested traveling all over the world to test really cool cars and behave like an idiot I said, “Of course I’m interested. Where do I sign? Top Gear is arguably the biggest (and greatest) car show ever and as a massive fan I used to fantasise being on it one day as a guest racing the Reasonably Priced Car around their test track. I waited, that call never came. But 20 years later someone at Top Gear HQ screwed up, confused me with someone else, and asked me to be the host of Top Gear Australia? Buckle up, this could get bumpy!”
From heart-pounding races across iconic landscapes to in-depth reviews of the latest automotive marvels, Top Gear Australia will deliver the excitement and entertainment that fans around the world have come to love.
SVP Content & Programming, Paramount Australia & New Zealand, Daniel Monaghan said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with BBC Studios to bring a localised version of the iconic series to Paramount +. Top Gear Australia promises to deliver everything fans love about the show but with an Aussie twist. We can’t wait for Jonathan, Beau and Blair to get behind the wheel of the world’s biggest car entertainment show.
Kylie Washington, General Manager and Creative Director, Production, BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand, said: “Top Gear is a global juggernaut which has entertained viewers in over 150 territories worldwide and we are excited to bring this fresh, new-imagining of the show to Australian audiences together with Paramount+. In Jonathan, Beau and Blair we have found a winning combination of expert knowledge and on-screen chemistry that we know audiences will love.”
The eight-part series, which begins filming later this year, is based on the world-famous format from BBC Studios.
And to add to the excitement, fans of Top Gear will be able to catch Seasons 27 to 31 (2019 to 2021) of the UK series with hosts Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness on Paramount+ in 2024.
About Paramount+
Paramount+ is a global digital subscription video streaming service from Paramount that features a mountain of premium entertainment for audiences of all ages. Internationally, the streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including SHOWTIME®, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel™, in addition to a robust offering of premier local content. The service is currently live in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and South Korea.
