CRICKETING legend and TV host Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff has kept a low profile since his horror crash whilst filming Top Gear.
Find out more about what happened to him as his new series hits TV screens.
What happened to Freddie Flintoff while filming Top Gear?
Freddie Flintoff was airlifted to hospital in December 2022 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.
He’s quite a resilient character is Fred, and I have no doubt he will be as right as rain.”
Paddy McGuinness on Freddie
It turned out the vehicle Freddie was driving at the time of the accident did not have an airbag.
His co-presenter Chris Harris was at the scene when it happened.
How is Freddie Flintoff doing?
After the incident, on-site medics rushed to Freddie’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.
“Freddie was taken to hospital by air ambulance shortly afterwards.
“His injuries are not life-threatening and he is receiving treatment.
“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: “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.”
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 broken ribs, and he suspended all work while he recovered.
On March 23, 2023, theBBC announced that series 34 of Top Gear would be scrapped following Flintoff’s accident.
They said it would be “inappropriate” to continue while he is still recovering.
Flintoff, real name Andrew, will not return to the BBC motoring show after his horrific crash.
On April 8, 2023, it was announced that Flintoff’s show Field of Dreams would be put on hold.
He had planned to film the second series of the show, where Freddie forms a cricket team, in the Spring.
On September 9, 2023, after nearly nine months since the crash, Freddie was seen back on the cricket pitch.
He was pictured helping to coach the England team in Cardiff in their match against New Zealand.
On November 21, 2023, it was announced that Top Gear is set to be 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.”
On February 25, 2024, Paddy McGuinness gave a health update on his co-presenter.
Asked how Flintoff is doing now, McGuinness told ITV’s Good Morning Britain that Flintoff is a “resilient character”.
Speaking to hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley, 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.”
But Freddie has since revealed just how much he’s struggled since the accident.
The TV star has admitted it made him such a bundle of nerves that he had to leave social gatherings to cry.
It turned him into a recluse who barely left the house for seven months.
The father of four is now resuming his TV career with BBC One’s Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams On Tour — and he’s determined to make the most of his “second chance” at life.
He 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.”
When did Freddie join Top Gear?
After an incredible career as an England cricketer, Freddie – real name Andrew – switched his career to TV.
In 2018, Freddie and Paddy McGuinness were announced as the replacements for Matt LeBlanc and Rory Reid ahead of series 27 of the car show.
The trio were an immediate hit with viewers and the show moved from BBC Two to a primetime slot on BBC One after 18 years in 2020.
Meanwhile, Freddie’s smash is the latest setback for the “cursed” show, following his narrow escape after a horror 124mph crash in 2019.
He miraculously walked away from the “near-death” crash unscathed, insisting he was “absolutely fine.”
Away from the limelight, Freddie is married to Rachel, and they have four children together.
When is Freddie Flintoff on TV?
Freddie is back for a second four-part series of his hit show Field of Dreams.
It’s so special and unlike anything I’ve worked on or seen before.”
Freddie Flintoff
It sees the sports star take a team of aspiring cricketers from his home town of Preston to India, to compete in one of the most cricket-mad nations in the world.
Speaking ahead of the series, Freddie said: “It’s so special and unlike anything I’ve worked on or seen before.
“We’ve created things for the boys to do and see how they get on with a little bit of guidance. It’s as simple as that, which is brilliant.
“Viewers can expect everything!”
Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams On Tour is on BBC iPlayer and BBC One from 9pm on Tuesday, August 13.