The Grand Tour star James May sparks concern as he cancels show without explanation
Share and Follow

James May has sparked concern among fans after suddenly cancelling a date on his live UK tour without offering any explanation.

The TV presenter, 62, best known for The Grand Tour and Top Gear, announced his Explorers: The Age of Discovery tour earlier this year, with performances scheduled across the UK as well as Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. 

The show, which ties in with his latest documentary James May’s Greatest Explorers, promises to blend theatrical techniques with the star’s trademark storytelling to deliver ‘an evening of compelling intellectual entertainment.’

However, fans were left baffled when the Manchester stop, due to take place on October 16 at the Apollo, was suddenly scrapped.

Ticket sellers informed customers of the cancellation, but no reason has been given. 

Ticketmaster now shows the Manchester date greyed out, while remaining UK stops in Bath and Southampton are still listed as going ahead.

James May (pictured) has sparked concern among fans after suddenly cancelling a date on his live UK tour without offering any explanation

James May (pictured) has sparked concern among fans after suddenly cancelling a date on his live UK tour without offering any explanation

The presenter (pictured with fans) announced his Explorers: The Age of Discovery tour earlier this year, with performances scheduled across the UK and around the world

The presenter (pictured with fans) announced his Explorers: The Age of Discovery tour earlier this year, with performances scheduled across the UK and around the world

The event has also disappeared from May’s official website.

Confused followers quickly took to Reddit to share the news. One wrote: ‘Just had an email from Ticketmaster saying that the Age of Discovery show at Manchester Apollo has been cancelled.

‘I’ve looked on social media but no announcement from him regarding why, does anyone know what’s gone on as it seems that Manchester wasn’t the only one cancelled? Hope he’s okay.’

Another commented: ‘This is so weird, and weird there’s no mention of it. Hope James is all good – his other dates are still listed so maybe the Manchester date just didn’t sell enough tickets?’

The original poster responded: ‘Which is fair enough, I suppose it needs to sell X amount to break even, but the lack of communication from him or his team regarding the cancellation is disappointing.’

Despite the uncertainty, fans who have already seen the show overseas have shared glowing reviews.

One audience member gushed: ‘Just saw James live on stage talk about explorers, it was very good, I enjoyed it a lot – it went on for two and a half hours, he spoke well.’

Another said: ‘I was there last night – really awesome show!’ while a third added: ‘I was at the Melbourne show, I really enjoyed it. Hope he actually does come back for another show in the future.’

The show promises to blend theatrical techniques with the star's trademark storytelling to deliver 'an evening of compelling intellectual entertainment'

The show promises to blend theatrical techniques with the star’s trademark storytelling to deliver ‘an evening of compelling intellectual entertainment’

However, fans were left baffled when the Manchester stop, due to take place on October 16 at the Apollo, was suddenly scrapped

However, fans were left baffled when the Manchester stop, due to take place on October 16 at the Apollo, was suddenly scrapped

The Daily Mail has contacted James’s representatives for comment. 

It follows news that Jeremy Clarkson and his former co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May have reportedly wound down their joint company worth a staggering £24million.

The petrol heads, who first worked together over two decades ago on the now-axed Top Gear, are said to have closed the door on their TV relationship for good.

It follows the end of their Amazon motoring show The Grand Tour last year, which the trio hosted since they quit the BBC following Jeremy’s sacking in 2015.

Jeremy had been told by execs his contract would not be renewed following a fracas with a producer over steak.

As they moved to Prime Video, they set up W. Chump & Sons with their producer Andy Wilman.

However, according to Companies House, the firm is set be struck off as documents are filed this week for a ‘voluntary winding up’.

The Sun report that the business was closed down with an eye-watering £24,087,100 on its books. It would mean the men would receive approximately £6million each.

Ticketmaster now shows the Manchester date greyed out, while remaining UK stops in Bath and Southampton are still listed as going ahead

Ticketmaster now shows the Manchester date greyed out, while remaining UK stops in Bath and Southampton are still listed as going ahead

It follows news that Jeremy Clarkson (M) and his former co-hosts Richard Hammond (L) and James May (R) have reportedly wound down their joint company worth £24million

It follows news that Jeremy Clarkson (M) and his former co-hosts Richard Hammond (L) and James May (R) have reportedly wound down their joint company worth £24million

Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Jeremy, Richard and James for comment.

Since The Grand Tour wrapped, all three men have been busy with their own projects, including Jeremy’s highly successful Clarkson’s Farm.

Airing on Prime, it follows the 65-year-old as he runs his Diddly Squat Farm with the help of his trust companion Kaleb Cooper.

It was previously announced how a fifth series of the programme had been commissioned.

Jeremy also hosts the reboot of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire on ITV1.

James boasts his very own gin brand and has recently launched a new Channel 5 series called Great Explores.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Generic scenes of Commonwealth Bank of Australia logo and words, CBA, Banking, office buildings. Monday 13th Janusry 2025 AFR photo Louie Douvis

Commonwealth Bank Faces Significant Service Disruption: Online Banking and ATMs Unavailable

Commonwealth Bank is working to restore banking services after being hit with…
Johnny Gray

Beloved Western Australian Car Enthusiast Dies in Tragic Accident

A WA grandfather is being remembered after the popular personality and car…

Australia and Papua New Guinea Approve Defence Agreement, Securing Strategic Victory in the Pacific

The Pukpuk treaty, named after the local word for crocodile, includes a…
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 21: during game two of the State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 21, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

How Brisbane Might Become Australia’s Next Sports Hub

For decades, Melbourne has been the centre of sport in Australia. It…

Albanese Applauds PNG’s Move to Sign Historic Defense Agreement

The Pukpuk treaty, named after the local word for crocodile, includes a…

Five Charts Illustrating the Challenges Facing Labor in Overcoming the Housing Crisis

The Albanese government is once again defending its ability to construct homes…
Family and supporters of Matthew Berry were in court to hear his accused killer being refused bail. (Rex Martinich/AAP PHOTOS)

Groomsman Refused Bail Following Violent Gold Coast Murder Charge

A man accused of brutally murdering a father-of-two has been denied bail…
Suspect shot after four injured by vehicle and stabbing at UK synagogue

Suspect Shot After Four People Hurt in Vehicle and Knife Attack at UK Synagogue

Authorities are responding to a “major incident” outside a synagogue in northern…