'Top Gear' Host Freddie Flintoff's Ghastly Accident Leads To Show Getting Axed

The BBC has decided to shelve its iconic motoring show, "Top Gear," after a harrowing incident that nearly claimed the life of one of its hosts, Freddie Flintoff.

Productions on the show were initially paused as the media house insisted it would be "inappropriate" to continue following the "life-alteringly significant" injuries Flintoff sustained.

The corporation faced fresh scrutiny after it was reported that the cricket coach made his fears about safety known to them before the crash. He chose not to sue the BBC and has since reached a £ 9 million settlement sum for his loss of earnings because of the crash.

According to the Daily Mail, the decision to hold off on production of the hit motoring show for the "foreseeable future" comes as a response to the "exceptional circumstances" surrounding the show, especially for the horror crash that Flintoff suffered.

In a statement released by the BBC, they empathized with Flintoff and his fellow hosts, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris, while revealing that other projects are in the works with each of them.

"We will have more to say in the near future on this. We know resting the show will be disappointing news for fans, but it is the right thing to do," the statement read. 

"All other Top Gear activity remains unaffected by this hiatus, including international formats, digital, magazines, and licensing."

Flintoff has been a key figure on Top Gear since joining the show in 2019. His near-death experience at the "Top Gear" test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey resulted in the production of the show being paused.

The BBC faced fresh scrutiny after it was reported that Flintoff voiced his concerns over the safety of the stunts with the "Top Gear" crew. He suffered severe facial injuries and several broken ribs as his Morgan Super 3 car, which had no airbags, tumbled, leaving him fighting for his life.

"Freddie voiced his worries about the safety of the stunt on set on the day of the accident," a source told The Sun. "He questioned whether or not it was OK, given the vehicle and conditions on the track. He was apprehensive before he got behind the wheel, and production staff at the track were aware of this."

Following the incident, the BBC issued an apology as it was revealed he had to wait for an "agonizing" 45 minutes for an air ambulance before he could get medical attention.

The source went on to note that several Top Gear employees have discussed the issue, and they doubt the show "will ever return to screens."

The former cricketer reportedly chose not to pursue legal action against the BBC studios following the harrowing crash and instead negotiated a settlement of £9 million for two years' loss of earnings, per The Sun.

According to the news outlet, a source close to the agreement revealed that the father-of-four waived a "potentially bigger payout" when he and the corporation "agreed to settle privately, with as little animosity as possible."

The insider went on to divulge that he also considered the fact that he may have to turn down other jobs as he recovers from the injuries sustained. This also reportedly played a part in him accepting the seven-figure settlement sum.

"Fred is still very much on the road to recovery, however, and at the moment is purely focused on this, his England cricket coaching, and being with his family. For Fred, it's never been about the money," the insider added.

Flintoff has been keeping a low profile as he continues his recovery process. In September, reports emerged that he went to great lengths to maintain his privacy as he was seen helping the English cricket team in preparations against New Zealand for the ODI games.

His former teammate, Steve Harmison, made the revelation to talkSPORT, where he noted that the presenter was still covering his face when they met during a game between their sons.

"It's been tough, you've seen the pictures of him with a smile on his face, but I saw him about six weeks ago when my son Charlie and his son, Rocky played against each other, and it was great to see him," Harmison shared.

"I got to see him then, but at that time he covered his face up when he walked around – believe it or not, he was training a guide dog which I'm sure is going better now than it was because he tripped over around three times on his way around the field," he added.

"He was on great form, but to see him around the England group, the main team, was fantastic."