According to a BBC executive, it would be’really wrong’ to resume filming Top Gear while Freddie Flintoff is still recovering from his injury.
While filming the motoring episode in Surrey last year, the 45-year-old former international cricket player and TV host was involved in an accident.
Freddie’s car flipped during the filming of a scene on the test track for the programme at Dunsfold Aerodrome in December, leaving him serious face injuries and fractured ribs.
Following an internal inquiry into the accident, the national broadcaster said in March that it “under the circumstances” “would be inappropriate to resume making series 34 of Top Gear at this time.”
Charlotte Moore, chief content officer, recently stated that rather than hurrying to get the programme back on the air, the focus is now on his rehabilitation.
‘My priority at the moment is supporting Freddie through his recovery so I think it would be really inappropriate for us to resume filming now,’ she said at a Broadcasting Press Guild event on Thursday.
‘I think when we get to the point where he feels ready … and we’ll get to thinking about getting him back.’
She added: ‘I think we’ve got to talk about what Freddie wants to do. When someone’s in recovery, I don’t think we would push that … I think that would be really inappropriate, I wouldn’t be happy.’
You have to be genuinely human about this and act morally, Moore continued.
When the ‘freak accident’ occurred, Freddie was taken to the hospital, and it was immediately noted that he was ‘fortunate to be alive’.
After accusations that he sustained serious injuries as a result of the vehicle’s lack of a roof, it was later revealed that there were no air bags in the vehicle.
Following the incident, BBC Studios sent Freddie an apology last month.
In a statement, the firm said that although it “will continue to support” Freddie “with his recovery,” it “feels inappropriate” to begin production on Top Gear 34 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.’
Additionally, it stated that a routine evaluation of the show’s health and safety will be done.
Top Gear is streaming on BBC iPlayer.
Source My Celebrity Life.