The BBC has finally confirmed that the iconic motoring series, Top Gear, will remain on “indefinite hiatus”.
The announcement follows a series of events, including a serious crash involving co-host Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff during filming in December 2022 at the Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey.
“The BBC has decided to rest the UK show,” reads the statement from the broadcaster, pointing to the need for a pause in the wake of the accident. Flintoff, who became a face of the show in 2019 alongside co-hosts Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness, was airlifted to the hospital after the incident. This was not his first accident on the show, having previously lost control of a trike at high speeds.
The crash led to an external health and safety investigation by the BBC, the results of which remain unpublished. However, a separate review of previous series highlighted significant safety considerations for future productions. The show, known for its high-speed stunts and automotive adventures, had been a staple of BBC programming, drawing an average of 4.5 million viewers in its recent series.
Following the accident, the BBC extended an apology to Flintoff and reached a financial settlement reportedly around £9 million. This agreement, however, does not involve funding from the TV licence fee, as it falls under the purview of BBC Studios, a commercial arm of the broadcaster.
Flintoff was observed with visible facial injuries in public appearances following the incident. His legal team informed The Sun of his ongoing recovery from “life-altering injuries”. Despite the hiatus of Top Gear, the BBC emphasized its commitment to the trio of hosts, hinting at new projects in development with each.
“We remain committed to Freddie, Chris and Paddy, who have been at the heart of the show’s renaissance since 2019, and we’re excited about new projects being developed with each of them.
We will have more to say in the near future on this,” the BBC statement elaborated.
The BBC went on to note that other Top Gear activities, including international formats, digital content, magazines, and licensing, will continue unaffected. Paramount+ recently confirmed the commissioning of a new Australian edition of Top Gear to be hosted by hosted by Blair Joscelyne, Beau Ryan and Jonathan LaPaglia.
In light of the recent events, the BBC stressed the importance of revised safety protocols for future productions of Top Gear. The Health and Safety review underscored the need for improved communication, clarity in roles and responsibilities, and a comprehensive action plan addressing the complex challenges inherent in producing such a high-stakes show.
Flintoff has slowly been returning to the public eye, recently being named head coach of an English cricket franchise and participating in an unofficial coaching role with the England cricket team. His first public appearance post-accident was at the third one-day international cricket match at Kia Oval in London, where his injuries were visible.
This decision by the BBC marks a significant moment for Top Gear, a series that has evolved and adapted over the years, reflecting changing times and challenges.
