Top Gear ‘pauses filming as Freddie Flintoff recovers from his severe crash during filming’

Top Gear bosses have reportedly pushed back filming any new episodes of the show as presenter Freddie Flintoff recovers.

The former England cricket ace, 45, was airlifted to hospital with facial injuries and broken ribs after a collision at the Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey while filming the motor show on December 13.

It was previously reported that filming had been temporarily suspended as he recovered – but now there appears to be even more uncertainty over when the show will return.

Freddie’s son Corey also recently confirmed to MailOnline that the presenter is ‘OK’ after the smash, but is ‘lucky to be alive’.

And with show producers awaiting his recovery, they are said to have sent out an email to contributors to inform them that they don’t know when filming will recommence. 

Top Gear has reportedly halted filming new episodes while Freddie Flintoff recovers from his severe crash during filming

According to The Sun, the BBC were hoping to recommence filming this month, but have had to delay it further. 

Allegedly sending out a letter, they explained: ‘However, we have now pushed the filming back. We don’t have a date in mind.’

While a source told the publication that despite Freddie’s health being first and foremost, the broadcasters worry that contributors may not be able to make the new date, after they assumed the presenter would be back on track by now. 

MailOnline has contacted BBC Top Gear for comment. 

Freddie’s injuries were reportedly more severe because the motor he was in did not have a roof. However, he was wearing a helmet which may have saved his life. 

The BBC confirmed that the father-of-four was hurt in the crash and taken to hospital for further treatment. 

Chris Harris, who presents the show alongside Freddie and Paddy McGuiness, was also at the Top Gear test track. 

The injured sportsman’s son Corey, 16, revealed that his family were left ‘shocked’ after he was taken to hospital. 

Corey told MailOnline: ‘He’s OK. I’m not too sure what happened but he is lucky to be alive.

Pushed back: According to The Sun , the BBC were hoping to recommence filming this month, but have had to delay it further (presenters Freddie, left, Chris Harris, centre, and Paddy McGuinness, right)

Severe: The former England cricket ace was airlifted to hospital with facial injuries and broken ribs after a collision at the Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey while filming the motor show on December 13

‘It was a pretty nasty crash. It is shocking. We are all shocked but just hope he’s going to be OK.’ 

The presenter and former England ace is understood to have avoided serious physical injury in the incident, but could quit the hit BBC show for good according to friends. 

Friends revealed he was making a good recovery physically following the crash, but the psychological impact was less clear, according to The Times.

Following the accident, the BBC launched an investigation into the incident and insists ‘all health and safety procedures’ were followed.

A review of the accident by the Health and Safety Executive, the government agency, has found no evidence of any serious failings requiring a formal investigation.

A spokesman said: ‘We’ve completed our initial inquires into this incident and will not be investigating further.’

Freddie has not posted anything on his social media accounts since the accident and his official website appears to be down.  

He was announced in October 2018, ahead of the show’s 27th series, as a new host of Top Gear alongside Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris. 

The trio have just completed series 33, with the last episode being shown in December. 

Scary: Freddie’s injuries were reportedly more severe because the motor he was in did not have a roof. However, he was wearing a helmet which may have saved his life (stock image)