The BBC has confirmed that Top Gear will return, with former England rugby star Joe Marler in contention to host it. The long-running motoring show has not aired since 2022, after it was "rested" when co-host and England cricketing legend Andrew Flintoff was injured in a crash during filming.
Return confirmed at Edinburgh TV Festival
After that serious accident, filming of series 34 was suspended - with the BBC stating that Top Gear wouldn't be returning for the "foreseeable future". However, the show's return has now been confirmed.
At Edinburgh TV Festival on Thursday, the BBC's Director of Entertainment Ed Havard said: "There has been a lot of speculation about this and we can confirm that Top Gear is coming back. I'm not going to talk about talent today."
Hosting contenders
Comedian Jimmy Carr has been linked with a hosting job, with the Sun reporting last week the 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown star was in talks over the job. When asked whether Carr would be hosting, Havard replied: "Jimmy would be a great host but I won't be discussing that today. We will have more information on Top Gear shortly."
Former England prop Marler has also been suggested as a possible host. The ex-Harlequins front-row has transitioned into TV work after breaking out on the Celebrity Traitors last year. The show will be made by BBC Studios, who did not comment further about on-air talent.
History and Flintoff's accident
The show began in 1977, becoming one of the BBC's biggest programmes while Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May hosted during the 2000s. They were replaced by Chris Evans and Friends star Matt Le Blanc, while the last iteration of the show was hosted by Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris.
Flintoff's accident occurred when his open-topped three-wheeled car overturned at the show's test track - leaving him with serious facial and rib injuries. The BBC apologised and paid compensation to Flintoff following his crash. He has previously described being dragged face-down underneath the Morgan Super 3 car for about 50 metres. "I thought I was dead," he told a Disney+ documentary last year.
Paul Rees, a racing driver and expert adviser who was in the car with Flintoff, has sued BBC Studios for up to £150,000 for personal injury. BBC dispute that claim and are defending it.
