Jeremy Clarkson has revealed plans for an ambitious television show to rival The Traitors after wrapping up series six of Clarkson's Farm.
The 66-year-old presenter confirmed he has completed filming on the latest installment of his Amazon Prime Video series and is now looking toward his next major project.
Speaking at the RTS Convention in London alongside Loose Women panelist Jane Moore and his daughter, blogger Emily Clarkson, the television star discussed the future of broadcasting and production.
Clarkson Calls for Industry Mergers
Clarkson explained that any new project following his hit agricultural series must expand in scope to compete effectively against digital platforms.
"We're currently thinking about what we're going to do after Clarkson's Farm and it's going to have to be something bigger - to stand out, to protect us from the onslaught from underneath (from new media)," Clarkson said.
He emphasized that upcoming projects need to surprise audiences with their scale. "It has to be unbelievably ambitious, like, where people go: 'What the f**k are you doing? that's an incredible show!'" he added.
Highlighting the success of hit competition formats, Clarkson singled out the BBC reality series as a benchmark for modern broadcasting. "The Traitors is a very good example. They get proper celebrities on that and it's a great show," he said.
Addressing broader industry challenges, Clarkson suggested that traditional British broadcasters should unite to withstand competition from social media and online streaming. "Television has to get bigger, lose scheduling and get better, I actually think that TV in this country can only survive - and should do this - if the whole lot merge. BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4 and 5," he remarked.
He proposed combining the networks into a unified entity called "Britfix" to produce "bigger, better and fewer programmes" capable of matching the massive audience numbers drawn by online content.
Celebrity Traitors Returns to Screens
The comments come as Celebrity Traitors prepares to return to television screens on October 1, featuring 21 famous contestants competing in a game of deception and strategy in the Scottish Highlands.
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the series will launch with an extra-long opening episode, accompanied by a new bonus special broadcast on opening night.
The lineup includes journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan, actor Bella Ramsey, comedian James Acaster, musician James Blunt, model Jerry Hall, comedian Joanne McNally, comedian Joe Lycett, actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, content creator King Kenny, and singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock.
Presenter Maya Jama, actor Michael Sheen, comedian Miranda Hart, actress Myha'la, mathematician Professor Hannah Fry, actor Richard E Grant, comedian Rob Beckett, broadcaster Romesh Ranganathan, actor Ross Kemp, actor Sebastian Croft, and actress Sharon Rooney complete the cast.
Contestants Prepare for Treachery
Reflecting on entering the castle alongside familiar peers, comedian Rob Beckett described the experience of filming with long-standing friends as humorous and unusual.
"I think I'll just find the whole scenario hilarious because it's just so surreal to be around that group of people, and to be with a few people I know," Beckett said.
He noted his history with several fellow contestants, highlighting how far their careers had progressed since their early stand-up days. "Romesh, obviously everyone knows we're such good friends, but Joe Lycett and James Acaster, I did gigs with them nearly 20 years ago, in pubs in Soho in front of eight people, and now all of a sudden we're in this situation," he added.
Profiles of the Traitors Lineup
Former fashion model Jerry Hall, 70, enters the game having first risen to global prominence during the 1970s as one of the era's most recognizable style figures.
Actor Richard E Grant, 69, brings decades of film experience to the competition, known for roles ranging from the cult classic Withnail & I to modern releases such as Everybody's Talking About Jamie.
Singer-songwriter James Blunt, 52, joins the lineup after achieving worldwide commercial success following his debut album and international hit single You're Beautiful.
Actor Ross Kemp, 62, who recently returned to EastEnders to reprise his long-running role as Grant Mitchell, is reported to be seeking a new personal challenge in the Highlands.
Stage and screen star Michael Sheen, 57, joins the cast with an extensive acting portfolio that includes leading roles in Good Omens and The Queen.
Comedian Rob Beckett, 40, who hosts television projects alongside his best friend Ranganathan, is recognized across British broadcasting for his energetic performing style and distinct laugh.
Actress Sharon Rooney, 37, takes part in the show following her acclaimed breakout performance as Rae Earl in the television drama series My Mad Fat Diary.
Irish stand-up comedian Joanne McNally, 43, brings her comedic focus on modern dating and personal turmoil to the competitive lineup.
Broadcaster Amol Rajan, 43, enters the series following an extensive journalism career spanning major national television and radio networks across the United Kingdom.
Online creator King Kenny, 29, joins the celebrity roster after establishing a large digital audience through street-style social experiments and prank videos.
Actor Sebastian Croft, 24, enters the competition as one of its youngest participants, best known for playing Ben Hope in the Netflix series Heartstopper.
Television host Maya Jama, 32, who presents the reality dating format Love Island, adds to the high-profile media figures taking part in the game.
Broadcasters, Actors, and Comedians Complete Lineup
Comedy performer Miranda Hart, 53, joins the series after establishing herself as a prominent television figure through her hit self-titled sitcom Miranda.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan, 48, enters the game known for his deadpan delivery and frequent television appearances across major UK networks.
Stand-up comedian James Acaster, 41, who presents the popular food podcast Off Menu alongside Ed Gamble - host of companion show The Traitors: Uncloaked - also competes.
Actor Bella Ramsey, 22, who gained early recognition as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones before starring in HBO's drama series The Last of Us, joins the contestant group.
Pop singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 34, participates in the competition having achieved international chart success as a member of girl group Little Mix following their 2011 win on The X Factor.
Comedian Joe Lycett, 38, known for high-profile public pranks and television stunts, forms part of the stand-up contingent inside the castle.
Mathematician and presenter Professor Hannah Fry, 42, brings her background in explaining complex data to television audiences into the game.
Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, 56, best known for her landmark role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, representing the first transgender character in a British soap opera, participates in the series.
Actor Myha'la, 30, completes the lineup of 21 contestants following her performance as fintech professional Harper Stern in the HBO drama series Industry.
