James May's Big Ideas

[sl55 amg]

The BBC has just announced some of the new programmes making up the Autumn season and it includes a new show called James May's Big Ideas, where he will be travelling the world seeking answers to questions that perplex him, such as "can scientists make a double of me?"

There aren't any more details on it at the moment but here's the link to the press release:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pre...0/bbctwo.shtml

[Shawn]

Sounds like it might be quite awesome!

But I'm personally looking forward to and hoping for a third series of Oz and James...

[upyourego]

There is - it's the Big British Adventure

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pre...oz_james.shtml

After two series of sipping at the font of Oz Clarke's wine wisdom, James May can tell his Riesling from his Rioja, identify a Californian Chardonnay at 20 paces and describe the plummy nose of a Shiraz without gritting his teeth.

This time, however, the duo are embarking on a tour of the UK on a quest to find the perfect home-grown tipple, from bitter to lager, cider and whisky.

Oz And James's Big British Adventure (working title) is the third series of the wine show featuring the nation's favourite odd couple Oz Clarke and James May.

James may he think he knows more about beer than Oz but he soon discovers Oz's drinks expertise isn't just confined to wine. Expect plenty of bickering, banter and drinking as Oz and James go on their third road trip together.

Oz And James's Big British Adventure is commissioned by Roly Keating, Controller, BBC Two, and Lisa Edwards for BBC Two.

[fbc]

The Big Ideas show sounds like it could well be brilliant - something James can really get his teeth into.

[Shawn]

Originally Posted by upyourego

There is - it's the Big British Adventure

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pre...oz_james.shtml

Oh, snap. That's awesome news.

Any idea when it might be on?

[Cobol74]

Autumn to Christmas at a guess.

[James May's Hair]

That press release also confirmed an autumn series of Top Gear. Yay!

[sl55 amg]

Originally Posted by James May's Hair

That press release also confirmed an autumn series of Top Gear. Yay!

Subject to new contracts being signed of course! The controller of BBC2 seems to think all three will be back with a new series in the autumn:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008...bc.television1

[NooDle]

Yes! I really really like James's other shows. It really shows him as a presenter, and he's much better at it than you'd expect, from watching TG

[upyourego]

More Confirmation in this BBC Press Release

Top Gear

Following a short summer break Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are back in the driving seat of the nation's favourite motoring show, bringing their inimitable style, wit and enthusiasm back to our screens for a brand new series.
TD

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pre.../bbctwo6.shtml

Oh and (although this probably should have its own thread)

It looks like the Autumn series will be in HD if you believe the Autumn season PDF.



Although it is possible I'm reading that wrong and it's only HEROES that's going to be in HD (as the logo is under the Heroes bit) and that Top Gear will be as normal - in which case its still interesting as it means TG won't be in HD.

Here is the pdf
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pre...utumn_2008.pdf

[upyourego]

In fact - going back and having another look at the pdf - the HD logo is under some programmes and not others and in a couple of cases under two programmes on the same page - so I think it's more likely that TG WON'T be in HD and that the logo on the grab above is just referring to Heroes (which is already HD).

[Mayhem]

Wow, so many goodies!
Loved Oz & James' previous two adventures and can't wait for the third.
They made me laugh so much - and still do! I had a giggling fit in my local Sainsbury's recently because I came across a bottle of Viognier.
Think I learnt quite a bit about wine through the programme and am looking forward to expanding the lessons to "other alcoholic beverages".

As for the "Big Ideas" (How about this for a final title:"Big Hair, Big Ideas"? ) programme - that's probably what he was writing about in the Telegraph earlier this year.
Can't wait to see all this!
Just hope it won't be broadcast while I'm abroad...

[Labcoatguy]

This looks promising. His 20th century show was pretty good, but it felt too pre-written and not as infused with James May passion as, say, his Top Toys program. If he gets to direct the writing this time around, it should be much better.

[aaurora]

Yes, yes, yes!! James' sides shows are the best.

[The Fishman]

I read in an Australian Newspaper that Oz and James was in New Zealand.

I loved May's 20th Century, his Sister's toys and His toys.

[Susie]

James must be having a busy year! I saw on the Telegraph site that his 20th Century series is coming to DVD now, although I think I might have remembered seeing that a few months ago as an Open University thing.

I wish I could get the proper BBC over here... If the autumn '08 brochure that upyourego linked is any indication, it's looking like an excellent line-up.

[upyourego]

Originally Posted by Susie

James must be having a busy year! I saw on the Telegraph site that his 20th Century series is coming to DVD now, although I think I might have remembered seeing that a few months ago as an Open University thing.

I wish I could get the proper BBC over here... If the autumn '08 brochure that upyourego linked is any indication, it's looking like an excellent line-up.

Yeah and thats just BBC Two - there's also a great line-up for BBC Four, some top shows on BBC One and even BBC Three has a few good things coming up.

Of course I just watch most of it on the iPlayer or through Sky+ so they may as well all be on the same network as far as I'm concerned - but still - all good.

[Mayhem]

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/2...c2_season.html

Click on page 2 for the images and you'll find a sneak preview pic of James in a - well, decide for yourselves.

[airmenair]

So we have an autumn series of Top Gear confirmed then? Shouldn't this be front page news?

[Cobol74]

Yep plenty of what should be good shows coming up! What we pay the licence fee for.