The Grand Tour star James May has insisted he has ‘failed’ at retirement as he has been busier this year than he has in ‘about a decade’ as he has ‘not had a day off in months’
James May has admitted to botching his own retirement plans. The 62-year-old TV personality, famed for his role on The Grand Tour alongside Jeremy Clarkson, 65, and Richard Hammond, 55, had intended to wind down from the limelight as he feels he is “getting quite old”. Despite earmarking 2025 as the year to test the waters of retirement, James finds himself swamped with more work than he’s had in “about a decade”.
Speaking to The i Paper, James confessed: “I’ve failed at retirement. I’ve been thinking about my retirement since I was a teenager.
“2025 was going to be my trial retirement year, but I’ve been accepted to speak at a couple of history festivals and charity events, I’ve got two TV series, and then I’m doing a live show in Australia, New Zealand and around the UK.
“This is the busiest year I’ve had for about a decade. I haven’t had a day off in months.”
The ex-Top Gear host also shared his dismay at losing his younger looks, noting a newfound flabbiness in his face and belly.
He lamented: “I notice I’ve become flabby around my face and gut. I still expect to see someone looking reasonably youthful in the mirror. Occasionally, I’ll see a photograph of myself on a YouTube video, and think, ‘That’s quite an old man.'”.
James has been trying to keep fit despite his hectic schedule, although his current regimen is limited due to a healing broken wrist.
He shared: “I’ve made an effort to exercise in the last few years. I like riding my bicycle, so I try to ride 10 miles a day.
“I had to have a break this year because I fell off and broke my wrist, and it’s taking a long time to heal.”
The motor enthusiast has a passion for both high-end and budget motors, yet admits to feeling “embarrassed” behind the wheel of his Ferrari.
James confessed: “I get embarrassed driving my Ferrari.
“I only drive it occasionally.”
The ex-Top Gear host enjoys leisure time on his boat around the Isle of Wight and piloting his plane to visit “other people’s airfields” for a spot of café culture.
He revealed: “I’ve also got a boat and an aeroplane.
“I like taking it to the Isle of Wight for a picnic.
“The aeroplane I mostly fly to other people’s airfields to see what their cafes are like.”
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
