“We understand that ending the show will be disappointing news for fans, but it is the right decision,” the BBC said in a statement. “All other Top Gear activities, including international formats, digital editions, magazines and licensing, remain unaffected by this hiatus.”
The use of terms such as “show retirement” and “for the foreseeable future” indicates that Top Gear is not dead for good. However, it also suggests that the current format with hosts Chris Harris, Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff is likely not to return.
Freddy Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness, and Chris Harris
Flintoff’s accident happened at the Top Gear test track at Dunsfold airfield in December 2022. A source told British newspaper The Sun: “He was driving around the track as normal. He wasn’t driving at high speeds – it’s just an accident that can happen to anyone.” However, doctors had to airlift him to the hospital. Subsequent photographs showed that he had a scar on his face.
The BBC reached a settlement with Flintoff for the equivalent of $11.3 million (£9 million). In addition, the broadcaster has launched a third-party investigation into the show’s safety. The analysis “was completed in March this year and will not be published, as we have always made clear,” the BBC said.
Top Gear premiered in 1977. Over the years of its existence, the TV show has changed many hosts and formats. An updated version was released in 2002 with Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. In 2003, James May joined the team. They created the stunt and comedy program that is most famous today.
Source: BBC
