Key Highlights
- Freddie Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness no longer speak to each other after a car crash on the set of Top Gear.
- The crash occurred in December 2022, leaving Flintoff with horrific facial scars and mental health issues.
- Flintoff will host a Christmas special on ITV1 while McGuinness appears as a contestant on Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel on BBC One.
The Fallout of the Top Gear Crash: Flintoff and McGuinness No Longer Speak
The England cricket legend Freddie Flintoff, once a close friend to Paddy McGuinness on the hit BBC show Top Gear, is now no longer in regular communication with his former co-host. The car crash that nearly cost Flintoff his life on the set of the show three years ago has taken its toll on their relationship.
The incident, which occurred in December 2022, saw Flintoff driving an open-topped three-wheeled vehicle at high speed when it flipped over in icy conditions. With no airbag to cushion his fall, Flintoff’s face was dragged along the tarmac, resulting in severe facial injuries and multiple broken ribs.
The harrowing experience left him with permanent scars and mental health issues.
Flintoff’s recovery led him to quit his role on Top Gear, which was subsequently shelved following the accident. He received a £9 million payout from the BBC as part of the settlement. In an interview for Disney+’s documentary series, Flintoff expressed regret over not staying in touch with McGuinness: “It’s really nice to see him, but I feel bad that I haven’t been more in contact,” he said.
Flintoff added that he was concerned about potentially exacerbating any mental distress McGuinness might be experiencing. “I’m worried about ‘triggering’ Paddy a while ago,” he explained. “Their careers have been altered as well, so I feel bad for them.” The incident not only affected Flintoff but also his co-host Chris Harris, who was present during the accident.
Top Gear’s Return on Christmas Day
Despite the strained relationship, both Flintoff and McGuinness will return to television screens as part of festive programming. Flintoff will host a special episode of Bullseye on ITV1 alongside Michael van Gerwen, a former darts world champion. Meanwhile, McGuinness will participate in Michael McIntyre’s Christmas Wheel on BBC One.
The two presenters initially formed a close partnership during their time on Top Gear.
However, the accident that nearly cost Flintoff his life changed everything. In an interview with The Sun last year, McGuinness revealed that Flintoff had been in touch following the incident but then “went quiet.” He played down any suggestions of a feud and expressed sympathy for his former co-star: “We were all there for him when it happened, and he got back to us all immediately after, but it’s gone quiet since then,” McGuinness said.
McGuinness continued by saying that they still maintain contact through their wives and barbers. He added: “I messaged Fred recently saying, ‘Look, I can’t begin to think what you’re going through but rather than me bombarding you with lots of messages, which can be annoying, if you can’t bear with that, I’m always here. I hope you’re well and please God, I’ll see you soon.’” McGuinness emphasized the difficulty of understanding Flintoff’s situation: “You just can’t begin to put yourself into his shoes.”
Impact on Both Presenters
The car crash has not only affected Flintoff but also McGuinness. The incident resulted in a change in their careers and personal lives, leading to a distance between the two former colleagues. Both presenters have had to navigate the aftermath of the accident while maintaining their professional and personal relationships.
As Top Gear continues to evolve on both BBC One and ITV1, the relationship dynamics among its hosts will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike. The crash serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of television production and the lasting impact such events can have on those involved.
