Former Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have signed a deal for a new motoring show with Amazon.

The trio left the hit BBC show after Clarkson was dropped following a fracas with a member of the production staff.

Clarkson said: "I feel like I've climbed out of a bi-plane and into a spaceship."

The announcement about the new show, which will be available to Amazon Prime customers around the world, ends the speculation about the trio's future after they left the BBC amid much controversy.

May joked: "We have become part of the new age of smart TV. Ironic, isn't it?"

The trio, who will be joined by former Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman on the new show, have signed up for three series with the first one due to be broadcast next year.

Jay Marine, Vice President of Amazon Prime Video EU, said: "Customers told us they wanted to see the team back on screen, and we are excited to make that happen.

"Millions of Prime members are already enjoying our ground-breaking original shows. We can't wait to see what Jeremy, Richard, James and the team will create in what is sure to be one of the most globally anticipated shows of 2016.

"This is a golden age of television, a great time for TV makers and storytellers.

"Our approach is to give programme makers creative freedom to be innovative and make the shows they want to make. This is just the start, you should expect to see more world-leading talent and the biggest shows on Prime Video."

The move is a major step into TV by Amazon, which previously resurrected Ripper Street after it was axed by the BBC.