Richard Hammond has hit out at Top Gear bosses after she show was paused following Freddie Flintoff’s terrifying crash.
The BBC show launched petrolheads Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond to new heights when they became the face of the well-known show. The long-running show saw Hollywood icons such as Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz and British comedians including John Bishop to complete a lap of a racing track in the fastest time.
But now, the show is reportedly set to be axed following the near-fatal car crash that left cricketing legend Freddie Flintoff with several broken ribs and severe facial injuries. Now, Richard Hammond, 53, has spoken out against BBC bosses who took unnecessary risks on the beloved TV show.
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Speaking to Daily Mail, the TV star warned TV bosses to take care of the cast and crew working on set when taking on dangerous challenges. He told the publication: “Television makers have to be aware that you’re not in some special bubble just because you’re making a TV show, and things can and do go wrong. Just like when my tyre blew at that speed – it’s going to be bad.”
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
He added: “But what are you doing to do? Track it back to the person who tapped the rubber? Something went wrong and things do go wrong.” The broadcaster went on to share his thougths on the future of the show, admitting: “I don’t know if Top Gear will come back.
“It’s up to the BBC – often they will rest a brand. My connection with Top Gear was that I watched it as a kid and loved it. Then I was lucky enough to be involved in making our version, and I’m sure there will be other versions in the future.”
The father-of-four was driving at just 22mph in an open-topped three-wheeled Morgan Super 3 when he approached a corner and flipped over at the Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey. At the time the sportsman wasn’t wearing a helmet meaning his face was in direct contact with the ground, causing it to scrape across the tarmac.
(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)
Earlier this month, Freddie, who had remained out of the spotlight in a bid to recover, broke his silence for the first time following his accident. In a touching video posted online, he presented cricketer Tom Hartley with his cap for the England cricket team.
In the emotional video, Freddie praised the team that he considers to be a family, saying they will “be there for you in the hardest times of your life.” He added: “It gives me so much pleasure to share what’s going to be a day, Tom, that you’re going to remember for the rest of your life.
“When you get this cap, this changes your life. It’s one of those things, it’s before and after it. This enables you to walk tall and move faster. Play with passion, play with pride, play with belief.”
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
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He went on: “And also part of a family of people. They’ll share the good times with you, share the successes. But as I found over the past few months, they’ll be there for you in the hardest times of your life. They will stand next to you. So, like the lion on the cap Tom, be brave, be fearless, be proud and enjoy every minute of it.” Richard has also been the victim of a near-fatal car crash back in 2006.
The TV personality was speeding down a Yorkshire airfield at 288mph while filming the programme, in a jet-powered Vampire dragster when a tyre burst. He was rushed to hospital and was in a coma for two weeks.
This wasn’t his only brush with death. In 2017, he was involved in another accident when he lost control of a Rimac Concept One supercar while filming in Switzerland.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
