Freddie Flintoff 'expressed concern about Top Gear safety' before 130mph smash

24 September 2023 , 06:22

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Freddie Flintoff 'expressed concern about Top Gear safety' before 130mph smash

Freddie Flintoff was worried about the safety of the Top Gear stunt that led to a horrific crash in which he suffered serious injuries - a bombshell new report has claimed.

The 45-year-old cricket ace has been a presenter on the BBC show since 2019 - but was involved in a terrifying accident while filming at the Dunsfold Park Aerodome in December last year. The sports star was airlifted to hospital following the incident, suffering from broken ribs and facial injuries after an open topped car her was driving flipped while reportedly travelling at 130mph.

Freddie, who has reportedly quit Top Gear following the accident, was seen for the first time seen in public for the first time earlier this month with scarring and injuries still clearly visible on his face. Now a new report has suggested Freddie raised concerns about the stunt before he got behind the wheel of the car. A source has told The Sun that the presenter was “apprehensive” about taking part in the stunt - and also asked about the safety of plans.

The source told the publication: “Freddie voiced his worries about the safety of the stunt on set on the day of the accident. He questioned whether or not it was OK, given the vehicle and conditions on the track.

Freddie Flintoff has presented Top Gear since 2019 alongside Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness (BBC Studios/Lee Brimble)

Freddie is still recovering from the accident and has visible injuries on his face (Javier Garcia/REX/Shutterstock)

"He was apprehensive before he got behind the wheel and production staff at the track were aware of this. He was obviously used to taking part in these stunts during his time on the show, but alarm bells were ringing." The report went on to claim there are concerns Top Gear may never air again in light of the accident.

Flintoff's horror Top Gear crash was in roofless car and injuries 'more severe'

The Mirror have asked the BBC for comment on these claims - and to share the standard safety protocols of the show for stunts. Last week, the ‘final words’ Freddie said before the accident were revealed. Sources claimed to the Daily Mail that Freddie said: "Do I need a helmet?", before the car he was driving – a Morgan Super 3 open-topped, three-wheel sports car – flipped.

It's also claimed the car Freddie was driving, which later flipped, was not fully equipped with airbags as it was a "motorised tricycle" according to the maker's website. Freddie had to be airlifted from the scene of the accident - with a 45 minute wait to be taken to hospital.

The star himself is yet to break his silence on the horror smash. Earlier this month, he was photographed at an England cricket team One-Day International series against New Zealand in Cardiff's Sophia Gardens. The star was seen with visible scars on his face and appeared to be wearing tape on his nose.

Mirror.co.uk