Freddie Flintoff’s return to BBC’s Top Gear in doubt after new role is confirmed
ENGLAND cricket legend Freddie Flintoff’s return to Top Gear is up in the air after a new role was confirmed.
The 45-year-old will now be Head Coach of Leeds-based Northern Superchargers men’s team in The Hundred.
Freddie, whose real name is Andrew, said he was “excited” with the appointment before expressing his gratitude to the club.
The appointment of Flintoff – his first as a head coach in cricket – has now called into question his return to BBC show Top Gear.
Former England cricket captain Freddie, 45, was rushed to hospital after the high-speed crash last December.
Filming on the show has been halted following the high-speed crash last December at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey – the Top Gear test track.
The Beeb have said refusing to postpone production would be “inappropriate” while Freddie was recovering, and are yet to reveal if filming will be resuming with or without Flintoff.
A BBC spokesperson told the PA news agency: “A decision on the timing of future Top Gear shows will be made in due course with BBC Content.”
It comes after Flintoff agreed a £9million settlement with the BBC over his smash at the Dunsfold Aerodrome.
The cricket icon negotiated a payout understood to be for two years’ loss of earnings after suffering “life-altering” injuries.
Discussing his new role, Flintoff said: “I am excited to have been appointed Head Coach of the Northern Superchargers men’s team.
“Big thanks to Kirsty and Marcus for trusting me with the team.
“My time with the England Men’s team has been a reminder of just how special cricket is to me, and I’m relishing the opportunity to be back amongst it, helping to guide the Superchargers team to success on the field while making memories off it and helping to take cricket to more people.
“The Superchargers have a great fan base who I cannot wait to meet and bring along with us this season. I’m looking forward to making Headingley my new home.”