legend has expressed his shock at the news the One programme has been put to rest following ’s horror crash.
The BBC has ‘for the foreseeable future’ after Flintoff, 45, was hospitalised that took place on a test track in December 2022, which left him ‘lucky to be alive’.
A statement published on Tuesday read: ‘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.’
It went on to tease that more would be said ‘in the near future’ and that while fans may be disappointed, ‘it is the right thing to do’.
Ex-presenter May, who fronted the show alongside and , has now expressed his devastation at the news, saying: ‘I can see why it’s a tricky one for the makers, but I can’t believe it’s gone forever.’
He continued to : ‘I think it’s sad because I was a big Top Gear watcher when I was a teenager in the 70s.’
May, 60, went on to add that he doesn’t think they ‘ever did anything dangerous’ and safety was taken ‘very seriously’.
This comes after May’s former co-star after he was badly injured in a 280mph crash in 2006 during filming for the show, which left him in a medically induced coma for three weeks.
Meanwhile, one source has claimed that Top Gear could return ‘in a couple of years’, saying: ‘This is not an axing or a cancellation.’
The insider continued to : ‘Everyone involved knows the loyal fans will be dismayed. But it’s only temporary.’
Last month, it was reported that the 45-year-old had agreed to a from the BBC, with a spokesperson from BBC Studios saying: ‘BBC Studios has reached an with Freddie that we believe supports his continued rehabilitation, return to work and future plans.’
After the crash nearly a year go, the former cricketer was left with facial injuries and broken ribs after the crash, and was airlifted to hospital after reportedly having to wait 45 minutes for a helicopter.
A couple of months ago, he was since the incident, supporting fellow cricket stars by watching England’s opening one-day international against New Zealand at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens.
Shortly afterwards, he , making a heartwarming speech in which he said: ‘Play with passion, play with pride, play with belief. And also part of a family of people. They’ll share the good times with you, share the successes.
‘But as I found over the past few months, they’ll be there for you in the hardest times of your life.’
Metro.co.uk has approached BBC for comment.
Top Gear is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
