The BBC has reportedly decided to axe Top Gear after 46 years as bosses fear there is “no way” it can continue after Freddie Flintoff’s horror car crash.
It’s said production staff on the legendary car show have been told to focus on other work and that bosses fear it would be in “bad taste” to continue filming it after the near-fatal accident. Insiders told The Sun: “Top Gear has been an institution on British telly but the feeling is there is no way it can continue after Freddie’s crash.
“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.
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“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.”
(Image: PA)
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It comes 10 months after presenter Freddie, 45, was airlifted to hospital when his vehicle flipped over at 130mph on the Dunsfold Park Aerodrome test track in Surrey. The crash occurred during filming for the 34th series of the programme, which was then suspended pending a health and safety review of the incident.
Last month, Flintoff was spotted for the first time in public following the crash. The cricketer joined the England team during their one-day international against New Zealand at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens.
(Image: BBC Studios/ Lee Brimble)
Flintoff, who hosted Top Gear with Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris, was seen with visible scars on his face and tape over his nose. He wore a bucket hat and dark glasses while leading fielding drills with the England players.
He received medical care at the scene after his crash on December 13 and was rushed to hospital for further treatment. He spent five weeks in hospital and the BBC apologised to the sportsman for his injuries.
Freddie was left with facial injuries and broken ribs after the crash. He hadn’t been wearing a helmet in the car at the time of the accident.
(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)
Top Gear used to be hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May before Clarkson’s contract ran out in 2015. The trio now host The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime.
The original programme first aired in 1977 with Angela Rippon and Tom Coyne at the helm. Several stars have fronted it in the past, including Friends actor Matt Le Blanc.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
