Former Top Gear presenter James May is setting out to retrace the legendary voyages of Columbus, Raleigh and Cook for a travel series on Channel 5.
In a three-part factual series titled The Great Explorers with James May, the presenter will tell the stories of three of the worlds most famous explorers across 90-minute episodes.
The series is produced by Plum Pictures and sees May chart the journeys of the explorers, examining the scientific endeavours, political machinations and engineering innovations that allowed them to set sail and change the world forever.
Plum has previously worked with May on series including Prime Videos James May: Our Man in India and Our Man in Italy as well as cooking series Oh Cook!.
TV shows are often described as journeys and explorations; this one really is about journeys and exploration said May. We all think we know the basic pub facts about these three great men, but the reality may come as a bit of a surprise. It certainly was to me.
The presenter is the latest to join the C5 talent roster, alongside the likes of Dara Briain, Sue Perkins and Michael Palin.
The 3x90-minute series was ordered by C5s commissioning editor for factual Guy Davies, who added that the team are thrilled to welcome James May to Channel 5 as he embarks on this extraordinary journey.
Plum Pictures managing director Will Daws will serve as executive producer for the series, with Catrina Lear as series producer and Tom Whitter is series director.
Daws said: Behind every expedition are stories of courage, innovation and ingenuity along with mistakes, missteps and miscalculations.
The stories of these famous explorers are bold, dramatic and not for the feint hearted.