BBC has refuted claims suggesting that the popular motoring show, Top Gear, has been cancelled.
Reports from The Sun recently hinted that the program might be terminated, especially in the wake of an accident involving its host and ex-cricketer, Andrew Flintoff.
Flintoff suffered injuries in a high-velocity mishap while filming in December 2022 at Dunsfold Park aerodrome in Surrey, a location familiar to Top Gear viewers since 2002. The sports icon sustained severe facial injuries and broken ribs. Immediate medical attention was sought, and Flintoff was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment.
The public caught their first glimpse of Flintoff post-accident last month during a one-day cricket match between England and New Zealand in Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Noticeable scars marred his visage, accompanied by nasal tape.
Addressing the event for the first time, Flintoff shared his sentiments in a clip shared by England Cricket on social media platforms. Awarding an England cap to spinner Tom Hartley, he expressed, “It gives me so much pleasure to share what is going to be a day Tom that you’re going to remember for the rest of your life.”
Emotionally, he conveyed to Hartley that during triumphant moments, the England Cricket team will celebrate with him, and added,
“But as I found over the past few months, they’ll be there in the hardest times of your life, they will stand next to you”.
The BBC clarified in March its stance on Top Gear, stating that filming would be on hold for the upcoming series. Additionally, there will be a comprehensive health and safety examination of the program, a staple for fans for over two decades.
It is understood several members of the Top Gear production team have been receiving trauma counselling after witnessing the crash.
Since joining the show in 2019, Flintoff had developed a reputation for performing daring stunts.
In the time since the crash last year the BBC had made no comment regarding a potential return of the series which was once regarded as the most-watched show in world. It also remains unclear if Flintoff is pursuing legal action against the BBC due to the incident.
This wasn’t Flintoff’s inaugural accident on set. In 2019, he survived a crash at 125mph in a tri-wheeled cycle car.
The Top Gear roster isn’t unfamiliar with accidents, either. Richard Hammond, a former presenter, endured a two-week coma in 2006 after an accident at 288mph in a jet-powered Vampire dragster at the Elvington airfield in York.
Despite these incidents and speculations, BBC spokespeople conveyed to PA Media,
“A decision on the timing of future Top Gear shows will be made in due course with BBC Content.”
Reflecting on the recent accident, Flintoff’s son, Corey, commented that his father was “lucky to be alive” and labelled the incident as a “pretty nasty crash”.
Taking the helm in 2019, Flintoff became a presenter for Top Gear.
SOURCE: The Guardian
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