Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff’s horror crash spells the end of Top Gear

Nearing an incredible half-century milestone, a British TV institution is set to be axed due to a high-profile accident.

Top Gear has reached the end of the road after 46 years — with bosses ruling there is no way back following the crash which almost killed Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff.

Insiders said production staff have been told to focus on other work, The Sun reports.

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The future of the BBC’s money-spinning show — a fan favourite sold around the world — was plunged into doubt when former cricket star Flintoff suffered facial injuries and broken ribs on the test track in December last year.

A show source said: “Top Gear has been an institution on British telly but the feeling is there is no way it can continue after Freddie’s crash.

“The BBC are aware they very nearly lost a presenter’s life while filming a segment and there’s a feeling it would be in bad taste to continue making such dangerous material.

“It’s a tough decision but they know deep down it’s the right one as hardcore fans of the show won’t want to see a lightweight version.”

Andrew Flintoff seen recently at England training and prior to the accident. Photos: AFP and Getty Images

Freddie’s Top Gear co-hosts Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris have yet to comment publicly about his crash.

And the fact the decision has been ten months in the making has irked production staff.

The Sun can reveal at least one is now planning to take legal action against the BBC for a loss of earnings.

The source added: “Things could get ugly as people connected with the show have lost so much due to the indecision of BBC bosses.

There could be more than a few big payouts coming.”

Freddie, 45, was so badly injured he has only recently returned to the public gaze, appearing alongside England one-day team’s backroom staff.

Earlier this week footage was released by the ECB, showing him delivering an emotional speech while handing Tom Hartley his first international cap.

Top Gear reached its peak during its run with (L-R) Richard Hammond, James May and Jeremy Clarkson as hosts. AFP PHOTO / STEFAN HEUNIS

Praising the cricketing family, Freddie said: “They’ll share the good times with you, the successes.

“But as I found over the past few months, they’ll be there during the hardest times of your life. They will stand next to you.

“When you get this cap, it changes your life. It’s one of those things.”

Freddie had to be airlifted to hospital after a three-wheel roadster flipped at high speed at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome, Surrey.

The Top Gear track was famed for mystery racer The Stig’s superfast laps and the popular “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” segment which featured guests including Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Simon Cowell and Gordon Ramsay.

Part of the site has since been sold for a 2,600-home redevelopment but fans hoped another location would be found.

RIP Top Gear, but to be honest it died almost 10 years ago really.

I never heard of this accident though, what were they thinking? No helmet in a open top 3 wheeler going around a track (which presumably means fast)? What a painful mistake :/

— Minimoose1441 🇨🇦 (@Minimoose1441) October 7, 2023

I stopped watching Top Gear when Jeremy Clarkson, James May & Richard Hamond finished.

— GEOFFREY MORRIS (@MORRISGEOFFREY) October 7, 2023

However, some critics believed the show was past its best.

Top Gear first aired in 1977 with Angela Rippon and Tom Coyne as hosts on BBC Midlands, a year before the national network took it on.

It became a ratings hit after Jeremy Clarkson took over in 1988.

He left 11 years later but returned in 2002 for a relaunched version alongside Richard Hammond and Jason Dowe, later replaced by James May.

The three jumped ship in 2015 making way for a series of hosts including Friends actor Matt LeBlanc, racing supremo Eddie Jordan and broadcaster Chris Evans.

The Beeb’s commercial arm, BBC Studios, sold the franchise around the world, backed up by live events and merchandise ranges.

A series of international versions including in South Korea, China and France added to the series’ profitability.

A BBC Studios source said: “A decision on the timing of future Top Gear shows will be made in due course with BBC Content.”

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission