The BBC says it has halted production of the latest series of Top Gear after co-presenter Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff was injured in crash while filming.
The presenter was injured in December at Top Gear’s test track at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey.
The BBC said: “Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34.”
The broadcaster said a decision on how best to continue would be made later this year.
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Flintoff, who joined the show as a host in 2019, was taken to hospital on 13 December after his open-topped three-wheel Morgan Super 3 car flipped and slid along the track when he was driving at high speed. He and a crew member in the passenger seat were wearing helmets, but Flintoff suffered facial injuries and broken ribs.
In a statement, the BBC said: “We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery.
“We understand this [halting the show] will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we’ll make a judgement about how best to continue later this year.”
The decision has also impacted the production team, said the BBC, adding that there would be a health and safety review of the show, undertaken by an independent third party.
BBC Studios, which produces the show, also conducted its own investigation of the accident.
Top Gear and Doctor Who are the two strongest selling BBC shows internationally.
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