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Flintoff settled with BBC for £9m, addressing injuries his legal team described as “life-altering significant”
BBC’s iconic motoring show, Top Gear, will remain off screens “for the foreseeable future” following presenter Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff’s accident during filming last year.
The decision to halt the UK show was made after Flintoff sustained injuries in a crash at Top Gear’s test track in Surrey, causing the 34th series to be discontinued. The BBC emphasised its commitment to Flintoff and co-presenters Chris and Paddy, expressing excitement about future projects with them.
In a statement, the BBC clarified, “We know resting the show will be disappointing news for fans, but it is the right thing to do.” All other aspects of Top Gear, including international formats, digital content, magazines, and licensing, will continue unaffected during this hiatus.
Flintoff recently settled with the BBC for a reported £9 million, addressing the injuries his legal team described as “life-altering significant.” The TV license fee will not fund the compensation payout, as BBC Studios operates as a commercial arm of the broadcaster.
Last month, the BBC announced a health and safety review of the show, undertaken by an independent third party. While the external investigation report will not be published, the BBC Studios highlighted important learnings that would be applied to future Top Gear UK productions.
The review suggested changes in working approaches, emphasising increased clarity on roles, and responsibilities, and improved communication between teams.
Flintoff, a former England cricketer, was photographed in September leading fielding drills with England players, revealing visible scars and tape on his face from the accident.
The 45-year-old, who retired from cricket in 2009, joined Top Gear in 2019, contributing to the show’s renaissance with co-hosts Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris. The most recent series attracted an average audience of 4.5 million viewers.
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