TOP GEAR SET TO BE AXED BY BBC FOLLOWING FLINTOFF INCIDENT

The BBC has reportedly taken to the decision to 'axe' Top Gear following a crash involving presenter Freddie Flintoff in December last year.

Freddie Flintoff was involved in a serious accident at the show's production base at Surrey’s Dunsfold Aerodrome in December, following the accident he was airlifted to hospital with "facial injuries and broken ribs" and was "psychologically traumatised", according to reports.

Filming on the BBC series did not resume, with reports earlier this year that Flintoff was minded to quit the show completely. TV Zone approached the BBC for comment on the future of Top Gear.

A source 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...

"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."

A BBC spokesperson said earlier this year: "We will continue to support Freddie 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 judgment about how best to continue later this year. This has also impacted the production team, who we continue to support."

Flintoff has presented the motoring series alongside Paddy McGuiness and Chris Harris since 2019, with the trio following the footsteps of previous hosts including Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc.

Filming was immediately suspended following Flintoff's accident. Top Gear is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.