Ex-Top Gear host blasts BBC as he outlines key ‘problem’ with modern show
The former Top Gear host has hit out at the BBC
GB NEWS
A former Top Gear host has outlined a key “problem” with the modern show as it faces safety questions.
It comes as TV presenter and former cricketer Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff was spotted with face injuries in his first public appearance since his crash while filming for the show nine months ago.
The 45-year-old has maintained a low profile since he was taken to hospital after being hurt while filming for the motoring show at its test track at Dunsfold Aerodome last December.
On Friday, he was pictured in an England coaching kit on the home balcony at the opening one-day international against New Zealand in Cardiff, but sported large cuts or scars on his face and surgical tape on his nose.
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His son Corey said at the time he was “lucky to be alive”, adding it was a “pretty nasty crash”.
Speaking on GB News, former Top Gear presenter Steve Berry said the show has an issue with its talent, arguing they are not qualified to carry out the tasks required for the show.
Andrew Flintoff has returned to work as England legend continues to recover from injuryPA“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.
“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.”
Filming of series 34 of Top Gear was halted and it has been reported the daredevil presenter intends to quit the hit programme.
Flintoff was seriously emotionally and physically affected by the incident, a source told The Times when it first reported the accident.
The BBC said in March that it would be inappropriate to resume making the series at that time following an internal investigation into what happened.
Former sports star Flintoff began presenting Top Gear in 2019, and also appeared on Sky’s A League Of Their Own and won the first series of the Australian version of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.
He is known for his time as an England all-rounder, most notably during the Ashes victory in 2005.