The BBC has halted production of the latest series of Top Gear after presenter Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff was injured in an accident while filming. The incident occurred on 13 December at the show's test track at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey.
The BBC said: 'Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34.' A decision on how best to continue will be made later this year. The broadcaster added: 'We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery.'
Flintoff received medical care at the scene before being taken to hospital. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated but said it would not take further action, as the incident did not meet the threshold for prosecution. An independent health and safety review of the show will be conducted.
This is not the first accident Flintoff has experienced on Top Gear. In 2019, he crashed into a market stall in Mansfield and later crashed during a drag race in Yorkshire. In 2022, he was involved in a bobsleigh crash in Norway but was unharmed.
Flintoff, a former England cricketer, joined Top Gear in 2019 alongside Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris. The trio helped revive the show after the departure of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. A source close to Flintoff told The Times: 'Freddie has been seriously emotionally and physically affected by the crash.'
