Filming on the latest series of Top Gear will not resume amid reports that ‘daredevil’ Freddie Flintoff is ‘quitting the show’ after being involved in an accident last December.
It was recently reported that filming on the hit show was paused ‘indefinitely’, with BBC bosses to soon address when the series will resume filming, however it has since been confirmed.
BBC studios said on Thursday night that ‘under the circumstances’ they feel ‘it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34 of Top Gear at this time’.
Former professional cricketer Flintoff, 45, was airlifted to hospital after being involved in the accident while shooting for the hit motoring show at the Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey on December 13.
At the time, it was reported that he was ‘lucky to be alive’.
The former England captain has been ‘seriously emotionally and physically affected by the crash’, a source said.
The insider added to The Times: ‘He is a daredevil, that’s what he does, and he doesn’t feel like he is able to continue to play that role on the show.’
A statement from BBC Studios said it had ‘concluded its investigation into the accident at the Top Gear Test Track in Surrey last December, which regrettably injured presenter Freddie Flintoff.’
It continued: ‘We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery. Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34 of Top Gear at this time.
‘We understand this will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we’ll make a judgment about how best to continue later this year.
‘This has also impacted the production team, who we continue to support.’
The statement added that there will be a health and safety review of the show, ‘in line with our procedures’. The PA news agency understands that a decision about resuming filming will be made later in the year.
Flintoff was previously involved in a minor incident when he crashed into a market stall in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, in February 2019.
In September of the same year he crashed again while driving a three-wheel vehicle at a reported speed of 124mph during filming for Top Gear at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire, but walked away from the incident unharmed.
Flintoff, who began presenting Top Gear in 2019, stars alongside Take Me Out’s Paddy McGuinness and automotive journalist Chris Harris.
Metro.co.uk has approached Freddie‘s reps for comment.
Top Gear is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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