Top Gear boss quits show months after Freddie Flintoff's terrifying crash
Top Gear's big boss Clare Pizey has quit her job on the show after becoming the Top Gear brand Editorial Director in March 2022. She was previously co-Exec Producer on Top Gear.
Clare has stepped down from her role just sixteen months after taking the role on the BBC programme, and seven months after Freddie Flintoff's horror car accident which almost claimed his life. The shock news of Clare's decision to quit her job at Top Gear has thrown doubt as to whether or not the popular BBC show will continue. According to a former colleague of Clare, who also worked at Top Gear, the production team are now concerned that there will be no show without her input.
A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror of her departure: “Top Gear’s Editorial Director Clare Pizey is leaving BBC Studios after 7 years. With co-Executive Producer Alex Renton, Clare reinvented and re energised the motoring entertainment show with the introduction of Paddy, Freddie and Chris - and she oversaw Top Gear’s hugely successful move to BBC One in 2020.
"During her time at BBC Studios Clare also Executive Produced Children in Need, Sport Relief and Top Gear spin-off format The Getaway Car. We wish her the very best of luck with her next adventure.“
"Everyone is assuming that it’s over for Top Gear now Clare has left," the insider told The Times. Meanwhile, a BBC executive said her departure from Top Gear was a 'big blow' to the whole team. "I’m not sure it quite signals the end for Top Gear but it’s definitely on life support," the insider shared.
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Clare has stepped down from her role just sixteen months after joining the BBC programme (PA)The news of Clare's departure from the show comes just months after Freddie Flintoff announced he would not be returning to the BBC programme following his dramatic car crash in December 2022.
Last year the former cricket ace was left in agony for over 45 minutes after sustaining injuries to his jaw during the horrific incident. However, in a recent row, BBC bosses have been accused of "failing to properly look after" Freddie, 45, who was filming an episode of the hit series at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome.
It's claimed Freddie became injured when he was sharing his opinion of a car he was driving for a review segment. Following a review into the health and safety of the show, the results of which will reportedly not be published, the BBC has been accused of failing to protect Freddie.
Speaking to The Sun back in May, a source said: "The BBC has been keen to keep a lid on the extent of Freddie's injuries for obvious reasons. The accident itself was far worse than anyone really realises — it's hard to put into words, really; what he went through is simply unimaginable.
Freddie was involved in a near-fatal car accident while filming for Top Gear (BBC/Lee Brimble)"But essentially the car turned over at speed, and Freddie — who also broke some ribs — understandably is traumatised by the whole thing. He's been incredibly brave and stoical, and thankfully is getting stronger. He’s just taking things week by week."
At the time of the crash, a BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: "Freddie was injured in an accident at the Top Gear test track this morning - with crew medics attending the scene immediately. He has been taken to hospital for further treatment and we will confirm more details in due course."
Earlier this year, the BBC confirmed that they would not continue filming the latest series of the programme following claims that Freddie had been emotionally and physically affected by the crash'.
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