David Farnor | On 27, Apr 2016

BBC Three and BBC Worldwide have co-commissioned Extra Gear, a new Top Gear show.

The companion series, which is presented by Top Gear host Rory Reid, will bring fans exclusive new footage, interviews, specially-recorded films and behind-the-scenes access to the rebooted motoring show.

Filmed at the Top Gear studio, the show will be released on BBC Three’s live page and BBC Three on iPlayer immediately after Top Gear finishes on BBC Two.

The main programme, presented by Chris Evans, Matt Le Blanc and a host of others, aims to revive the format, following the tumultuous end of the show’s Clarkson, Hammond and May era. With Netflix having snapped up the rights in the US to the show and Amazon Prime Video rushing to commission a new car series from the former Top Gear trio, the clout of the programme has proven a major playing piece in the race for supremacy in the streaming age. And the BBC remains keen to keep BBC Three, the UK’s first TV channel to switch online, high up the starting grid.

BBC Worldwide will also distribute Extra Gear to international broadcasters, including BBC America and BBC Brit, where it will air alongside the new series in May.

Rory Reid says: “Extra Gear is hugely exciting. The Top Gear fans are some of the keenest in the world and with this show I’m giving them a chance to really get a peek behind the curtain. I’m looking forward to showing them how the show is made and what goes on behind the scenes, giving viewers a different perspective on some of the coolest cars on the planet.”

Damian Kavanagh, Controller BBC Three, adds: “Top Gear has always been a favourite with BBC Three fans so I’m delighted we can give them something new and innovative from BBC Three. BBC Three will allow fans to get closer to the Top Gear action and feel part of the show.”

The new series of Top Gear returns to BBC Two in May in its regular Sunday night slot.

For more on what’s coming soon to BBC Three, see our guide here.

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