HORROR CRASH
What happened to Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff? What we know about the Top Gear host’s crash and how he is doing now
Find out more about his return to TV screens
CRICKETING legend Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff suffered a terrible ordeal when he was had a horror crash whilst filming Top Gear.
The star is now making a spectacular comeback to television in the rebooted Bullseye. Here we take a look at his terrifying accident.
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Freddie's horror crash
In December 2022, Freddie Flintoff was involved in a horror accident whilst filming Top Gear.
He was airlifted to hospital after the three-wheeled Morgan he was driving flipped over, leaving him with facial injuries and broken ribs.
He received medical care at the scene before being transported to a hospital for further treatment.
Freddie's co-presenter Chris Harris was at the scene when it happened.
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After the incident, on-site medics rushed to the star's aid.
A source told The Sun at the time: "Freddie is in hospital after a crash on Top Gear.
"He was driving on the track as normal. He wasn't going at high speeds - it was just an accident that could happen to anyone.
"All the usual health and safety measures were in place for filming too.
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"Freddie was taken to hospital by air ambulance shortly afterwards.
"His injuries are not life-threatening and he is receiving treatment.
Freddie Flintoff to host reboot of legendary darts quiz show Bullseye in first big TV job since crash ordeal
"Filming has been postponed for now and all anyone cares about is Freddie recovering."
A spokesman for the BBC confirmed to The Sun the host had been injured in the crash and was taken to hospital for further treatment.
They said shortly after the accident happened: "Freddie was injured in an accident at the Top Gear test track this morning - with crew medics attending the scene immediately.
"He has been taken to hospital for further treatment and we will confirm more details in due course."
Internal investigation
In March 2023, The Sun revealed the open-topped Morgan Super 3 sports car Freddie was driving was not fitted with air bags.
A internal investigation into the channel's health and safety practices was launched.
The Ashes hero suffered serious facial injuries, and he suspended all work while he recovered.
He's quite a resilient character is Fred, and I have no doubt he will be as right as rain."
Paddy McGuinness on Freddie
That same month the BBC announced that series 34 of Top Gear would be scrapped following Freddie's accident.
They said it would be "inappropriate" to continue while he is still recovering.
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Top Gear axed
However, by November 2023, it was announced that Top Gear was being axed due to the crash.
In a statement given to the PA news agency, the BBC said: “Given the exceptional circumstances, the BBC has decided to rest the UK show for the foreseeable future.
“The BBC remains committed to Freddie, Chris and Paddy who have been at the heart of the show’s renaissance since 2019, and we’re excited about new projects being developed 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.
“All other Top Gear activity remains unaffected by this hiatus including international formats, digital, magazines and licensing.”
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Freddie's recovery
In February 2024, Paddy McGuinness gave a health update on his co-presenter.
Asked how his pal was doing, he told ITV’s Good Morning Britain that the former cricket star is a “resilient character”.
Speaking to on the show, he said: “He’s all right.
"I’ve not spoken to him for a while, but, you know, he is getting on with it.
“He’s a very resilient character, is Fred. So I’ve no doubt he’ll be right as rain.”
Freddie has since revealed just how much he's struggled after the accident.
The TV star admitted it made him such a bundle of nerves that he had to leave social gatherings to cry.
He revealed it turned him into a recluse who barely left the house for several months.
Freddie said: “I genuinely should not be here after what happened.
"It’s going to be a long road back and I’ve only just started.
“I’ve got to look at the positives, I’ve got another chance, and I’m going to go at it. I’m seeing that as how it is - a second go.”
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Freddie Flintoff's TV comeback
Freddie made his first television appearance following his accident in August 2024, for the second series of his hit show Field of Dreams.
However, his big primetime TV comeback will be on the reboot of the iconic 80s show, Bullseye.
The show is returning for a Christmas special on December 22, 2024, at 6pm on ITV.
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Speaking about about landing the job, Freddie said: “I love the darts and Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid.
"Can't quite believe I'll get to host this Christmas special. You can't beat a bit of Bully!”
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