Top Gear to Return after Andrew Flintoff’s Crash, BBC Confirms
The BBC has confirmed that Top Gear is set to return to television four years after it was "rested" following an accident involving co-host Andrew Flintoff.
Speedy driver The Stig has always been a key part of the show, and while the hosting line-up for the comeback remains undisclosed, rumors suggest Jimmy Carr and Joe Marler are potential candidates.
The BBC’s director of entertainment, Ed Havard, revealed at the Edinburgh TV Festival: "Top Gear is coming back," but refused to discuss talent. He added that more information would be released shortly.
Former rugby player and Celebrity Traitors star Joe Marler is also reportedly in the frame to host. The show will be produced by BBC Studios, who did not provide further comment.
Top Gear began in 1977 and became a BBC powerhouse in the 2000s with hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. They were succeeded by broadcaster Chris Evans and Friends star Matt LeBlanc, before Flintoff, McGuinness, and Harris took over in 2018.
Following Flintoff’s crash during filming in 2022, the BBC apologized and offered compensation. He described the incident as a near-fatal experience, stating he thought he was "dead" while being dragged underneath the Morgan Super 3 car for approximately 50 meters.
Paul Rees, a racing driver and expert adviser who was in the car with Flintoff, has sued BBC Studios for up to £150,000 for personal injury. The BBC has disputed the claim.
