The BBC has stopped filming the 34th series of Top Gear, with reports suggesting that Andrew Flintoff is leaving the hit show.
The decision to stop filming comes following an investigation into a crash last December.
The England and Lancashire cricketer, turned presenter, was airlifted to hospital after being seriously injured in a crash at the Top Gear test track in Surrey.
“BBC Studios has concluded its investigation into the accident at the Top Gear Test Track in Surrey last December, which regrettably injured presenter Freddie Flintoff,” read a statement.
“We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery. Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34 of Top Gear at this time.
“We understand this will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we’ll make a judgement about how best to continue later this year. This has also impacted the production team, who we continue to support. Finally, there will be a health and safety review of the show, in line with our procedures.”
The BBC didn’t reference reports that Flintoff had decided to step down as a co-presenter.
Flintoff joined Top Gear in 2019, alongside Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris.
The trio had proved to be a popular replacement for Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May – after a number of other presenter combinations didn’t work so well.
The show moved from BBC Two to BBC One for the first time in its history, in 2020.
It’s currently aired in more than 200 territories around the world.
