BBC makes ‘heartbreaking’ decision to axe Top Gear after Freddie Flintoff horror crash

Top Gear hosts and Freddie Flintoff

BBC makes ‘heartbreaking’ decision to axe Top Gear after Freddie Flintoff horror crash

Getty Images/PA
Oliver Trapnell

By Oliver Trapnell


Published: 06/10/2023

- 21:42

Updated: 07/10/2023

- 08:57

The decision comes after months of doubt about the show’s future following a devastating crash

The BBC has made a “heartbreaking” decision to axe Top Gear after 46 years on air.

BBC bosses made the call to end the show following a horror crash involving the show’s host Freddie Flintoff.


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“Top Gear has been an institution on British telly but the feeling is there is no way it can continue after Freddie’s crash,” a show source told The Sun.

“The BBC are aware they very nearly lost a presenter’s life while filming a segment, and there’s a feeling it would be in bad taste to continue making such dangerous material.

“It’s a tough decision but they know deep down it’s the right one as hardcore fans of the show won’t want to see a lightweight version.”

Top Gear co-hosts Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris have yet to comment publicly about Flintoff’s crash.

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Flintoff’s son Corey said his dad was “lucky to be alive”, adding it was a “pretty nasty crash”.

Former Top Gear presenter Steve Berry told GB News, that the show had an issue with talent, claiming the show hosts were not qualified to carry out the tasks required on the show.

“The difference back when I did it was they used to appoint motoring journalists”, he said.

“I was completely aware of the dangers that could often occur. I was under no illusion.

Top gear hosts

Former Top Gear presenter Steve Berry told GB News, that the show had an issue with talent, claiming the show hosts were not qualified to carry out the tasks required on the show

PA

“I’ve had three or four serious accidents during my time motorcycling, but I didn’t think that would never happen.

“The problem for me with the modern Top Gear is you’re asking a cricketer to do things that really should be done by people who know what they’re doing.

“But it’s the viewer that’s the problem.”

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