The BBC has confirmed the latest series of Top Gear will not resume filming in the immediate future after co-presenter, former England cricket captain Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff was injured in a crash last year.
The broadcaster cited health and safety reasons as the cause for the cancellation.
Flintoff had been airlifted to the hospital in December after his three-wheel Morgan Super 3 car flipped and slid along the track when he was driving at high speed at the Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Park aerodrome in Surrey.
Although he and a crew member were wearing helmets, Flintoff suffered facial injuries and broken ribs.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive has reported no evidence of serious failings. However, Flintoff, who joined the show in 2019, is rumoured to be exiting the hosting role as he no longer feels he could continue to play his “daredevil” role. It is currently unclear if Flintoff has commenced a legal action against the BBC.
The BBC had already apologised to Flintoff for the accident, which affected the team who produced the show. A spokesperson for the BBC said that under the circumstances, it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34 of Top Gear at this time.
“We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery.
“We understand this [halting the show] will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we’ll make a judgement about how best to continue later this year.”
Top Gear has been on air for 21 years and is one of the most popular motoring shows in the world. The show was previously hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond, who left the show under controversial circumstances.
Flintoff, along with Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness, had been co-presenting the show since its move to BBC One, rebuilding the show’s ratings to its highest point since the trio’s departure.
Source – BBC
