The BBC issued a full apology and compensation payout following Freddie Flintoff’s crash while filming Top Gear which left him having 'nightmares and flashbacks'.
The ex-England cricket star was seriously injured in December 2022 at the test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey. Following this, it was a long time before Flintoff appeared in public again with the show ending up being ‘rested’.
Suffering with broken ribs and facial injuries, the 46-year-old was hospitalised. And in his return to TV earlier this week, he spoke in full for the first time about the ‘life-changing’ crash as he’s found it ‘so hard to cope’ since.
During Field of Dreams On Tour, Flintoff joined the team a year after the incident and admitted it was going to be pretty tough.
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“I’m struggling with my anxiety, I have nightmares, I have flashbacks, it’s been so hard to cope. But I’m thinking if I don’t do something, I’ll never go. I’ve got to get on with it.”
He added: “I need help, and I realise I’m not the best at asking for it. I need to stop crying every two minutes. I’ve got to look at the positives, haven’t I?
“I’m still here, I’ve got another chance, I’ve got to go at it. I’m seeing that as how it is, a second go.”
In October last year, it was revealed Flintoff had reached a financial settlement with the BBC following the Top Gear crash.
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According to the Sun, the deal with BBC Studios was worth £9million, based on the star missing out on two years of earnings. As BBC Studios is a commercial arm of the broadcaster, the payout to Flintoff wouldn’t be funded by the TV licence fee.
A statement from the company at the time said: “BBC Studios has reached an agreement with Freddie that we believe supports his continued rehabilitation, return to work and future plans.
"We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery."
The star’s admission during his new show comes after his wife Rachael was allegedly told to 'expect the worst' when she saw him for the first time.
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A source had told The Sun: "The injuries were more severe as the car didn't have a roof. It was a freak accident and somehow the car flipped over and the two men were dragged along.
"Freddie and the crew member were both wearing helmets, but it was still a severe accident. Everyone on the scene was shocked by how serious it was and they were very worried about the two men strapped in."
LADbible contacted Flintoff’s reps for comment.
Topics: BBC, Top Gear, Freddie Flintoff, TV, TV and Film
Jess Battison