BBC Star Freddie Flintoff Reportedly 'Defects' to ITV After Final Show Axed
In a significant development within British broadcasting, former Top Gear presenter Freddie Flintoff is believed to have shifted his professional allegiance to ITV, following the conclusion of his last BBC programme. The 48-year-old cricket legend's final project with the corporation, Field Of Dreams, has been officially shelved after three successful series, marking the end of an era for his work with the Beeb.
End of an Era with the BBC
Flintoff last collaborated with the BBC on the heartfelt series Field Of Dreams, which wrapped up production last year. The programme documented his journey as he guided a group of young lads from Preston, Lancashire, on a transformative cricket expedition to India, showcasing the sport's potential to change lives. A BBC representative confirmed the show's hiatus, stating: "We are incredibly proud of Field Of Dreams and, while there are no current plans for it to return, we would like to thank Freddie, the producers and all the contributors for three fantastic series."
An industry insider revealed to The Sun that this represents a major shift, noting that Flintoff had become a prominent face of the BBC following his 2019 signing for Top Gear. Although not exclusive to the corporation, by early 2022 he had delivered Field Of Dreams for BBC One and had the motor renovation show Chasing Cars in development. However, by 2023, Top Gear was suspended indefinitely, the renovation show faded from plans, and Field Of Dreams will not return, leaving Flintoff with no further projects lined up with the BBC.
Focus Shifts to ITV Ventures
Reports now indicate that Flintoff will concentrate on upcoming ventures with ITV, the competing network. This follows his recent stint presenting Bullseye on ITV, with expectations that he will feature in additional programmes with the broadcaster soon. The Mirror has approached ITV for comment regarding these developments.
Background of Tensions and Settlement
The move comes amid lingering tensions from Flintoff's time on Top Gear. In April last year, he candidly criticised the BBC in his Disney+ documentary, alleging the corporation treated him "like a piece of meat" to boost television audiences. He joined Top Gear in early 2019 and spent nearly four years on the programme before a devastating motor accident in December 2022 left him with serious facial injuries, battling for his life.
Flintoff explained: "That's the danger that TV falls into — and I found out the hard way, eventually. Everybody wants more, everybody wants that thing that nobody has seen before, everyone wants that bigger stunt. In some ways it's, 'Let's have that near miss, because then that'll get viewers'. Everything is about viewers. Always, always." He added that he should have been wiser, drawing parallels to his sports career, where he felt similarly commodified.
Following the crash, which occurred after two previous minor incidents on Top Gear, Flintoff was airlifted to hospital and stayed out of the spotlight for months before making a coaching comeback in cricket during late summer 2023. Top Gear remains off-air indefinitely, and the former England all-rounder secured a £9 million settlement from the BBC.
