Top Gear season cut short after serious crash

Filming for season 34 of Top Gear will not resume following a December 2022 crash involving presenter and cricket legend Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff.

The Sun quoted a BBC spokesman as saying: “In the circumstances, we feel it is inappropriate to resume production of Series 34”.

“We understand this will be disappointing for fans but it is the right thing to do and we will make a judgment later this year on how best to proceed,” the spokesman told The Sun.

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“This has also impacted the production team, which we continue to support. Finally, according to our procedures, there will be a health and safety review of the show.”

Flintoff was driving a Morgan Super 3 on December 13, 2022 when the car overturned and skidded over the Top Gear track in Dunsfold, UK.

He reportedly suffered broken ribs and facial injuries in the accident, despite wearing a helmet. A member of the film crew was in the passenger seat and was also injured in the accident.

The presenter, who is presenting the latest release of Top Gear alongside Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris, was flown to hospital after the crash.

Top Gear has seen a number of presenters since the departure of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in 2015.

The first rebirth had radio host Chris Evans and Friends star Matt LeBlanc at the helm, joined by Chris Harris, Rory Reid, Sabine Schmitz and Eddie Jordan.

In 2019, the current presenter trio took over the helm.

Top Gear in a broader sense is no stranger to big crashes. Richard Hammond narrowly escaped his life after an accident in a jet-powered drag car during filming in 2006.