Top Gear On Hiatus For “the foreseeable future” Following Flintoff Crash
The BBC has announced the suspension of its beloved motoring show, Top Gear, "for the foreseeable future" after host Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff's serious crash during filming last year. The 45-year-old former England cricket captain was injured in December at the show's test track in Surrey, leading to the immediate halt of the 34th series.
In a statement, the BBC expressed its commitment to Flintoff, Chris, and Paddy, the trio central to the show's revival since 2019. The network stated, "We're excited about new projects being developed with each of them…. We know resting the show will be disappointing news for fans, but it is the right thing to do."
Flintoff, who recently reached a reported £9m settlement with the BBC, is still recovering from "life-altering significant" injuries following the accident. Despite this setback, the BBC has emphasised that all other Top Gear activities, including international formats, digital content, magazines, and licensing, will remain unaffected by the hiatus.
The decision to pause production comes after a comprehensive health and safety production review, which did not cover Flintoff's accident specifically but examined previous seasons. The review found that while BBC Studios adhered to required policies and industry best practices, there were valuable lessons to be applied to future Top Gear UK productions. The BBC has stated that the recent accident prompted a separate investigation whose findings, concluded in March, will not be disclosed to the public.
Flintoff's crash is not his first on the show, as he faced a similar incident in 2019 when he crashed into a market stall.
Gradually returning to the public eye, Flintoff was seen in September leading fielding drills with England players in Cardiff. Last week, he was appointed as the head coach of the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, showcasing his resilience and determination to move forward.
While the break may disappoint fans, the BBC's decision reflects a commitment to safety and a recognition of the complexities involved in producing a show like Top Gear. As the network explores new projects with the hosts, the future of the iconic motoring show remains uncertain.
