BBC ‘rest’ Top Gear following Flintoff crash

The long-running motor show was transformed from an educational series into a speed and stunt format twenty years ago.

In a statement released this morning, the Beeb confirmed that the programme will not be back for a new series ‘for the foreseeable future.’ This followed speculation in a tabloid newspaper back in October that Top Gear had been axed.

“Given the exceptional circumstances, the BBC has decided to rest the UK show for the foreseeable future. The BBC remains committed to Freddie, Chris and Paddy who have been at the heart of the show’s renaissance since 2019, and we’re excited about new projects being developed with each of them. We will have more to say in the near future on this. We know resting the show will be disappointing news for fans, but it is the right thing to do.”

“All other Top Gear activity remains unaffected by this hiatus including international formats, digital, magazines and licensing.” – BBC

First Gear: Angela Rippon launched the series in 1977

Other hosts of the original Top Gear included Noel Edmonds

Last December, Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff was driving a three-wheeled Morgan Super 3 at 130mph when it flipped over at the Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey. He had to wait 45 minutes before being airlifted to hospital following the crash. As a result of the incident, filming of the show’s 34th series was immediately suspended. Flintoff is currently still bearing the scars of the crash with a disfigured face.

First presented by Angela Rippon and Tom Coyne, Top Gear began as a regional car show from BBC Birmingham in 1977. Other faces to front the original format over the years include Noel Edmonds and Quentin Willson.

In 2002 the show was revamped from advice and car reviews into a high speed stunt show

The series was revamped in 2016 following the departure of Jeremy Clarkson after a ‘fracas’ with a producer

The show was, in response to dwindling viewing figures, retooled as a ‘Petrol Heads’ series in 2002 with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May overseeing proceedings until 2015. Virgin Radio DJ Chris Evans became host alongside American actor Matt LeBlanc and motor journalist Rory Reid, however, the new lineup failed to capture the ‘magic’ of the previous incarnation and Evans departed after the first series.

In 2019 it was rebooted again this time with Paddy McGuinness, Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff and racing driver Chris Harries.

Top Gear had a resurgence with viewers following the 2019 relaunch