The BBC has confirmed the return of its long-running motoring show, Top Gear. The programme has been off air since co-host Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff was seriously injured in a crash during filming almost four years ago.
Ed Havard, the BBC’s director of entertainment, confirmed the news at a panel event at the Edinburgh TV festival on Thursday. He stated, “There has been a lot of speculation about this and we can confirm that Top Gear is coming back.”
Following Flintoff’s accident at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, the BBC had previously announced that the series would be “rested” for the foreseeable future. Havard did not comment on who would host the show, despite reports mentioning comedian Jimmy Carr and former England rugby player Joe Marler as potential hosts. He added that more information on Top Gear would be available shortly.
Flintoff sustained facial and rib injuries when the three-wheeled car he was driving flipped and skidded. The BBC later reached a financial settlement with the former cricketer, reportedly worth about £9m. Flintoff has stated he was deeply affected by the crash and did not leave his house for six months, except for medical appointments.