POLL: Should the BBC axe Top Gear?

Jason Manford discusses Freddie Flintoff after Top Gear accident

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The BBC has canned the next series of Top Gear after presenter Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff’s involvement in an accident while filming the show at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey. The public broadcaster said a decision on the future of the show would be made later this year, but do you think it should be axed? Vote in our poll.

The former England cricketer received medical care at the scene, on December 13, before being taken to hospital for further treatment. Insiders have confirmed to the Times that he is quitting as a co-presenter.

A source close to him told the publication: “Freddie has been seriously emotionally and physically affected by the crash.”

The BBC said the circumstances mean it would be “inappropriate” to resume the production of series 34. They said in a statement: “We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery.

“We understand this will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do and we’ll make a judgment about how best to continue later this year. This has also impacted the production team, who we continue to support.”

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The first incarnation of The Stig, Perry McCarthy, spoke out about the decision telling BBC Radio 4’s World At One programme on Friday: “[The] thing in my mind is I’ve got no idea why they’re now looking to cancel filming because they’ve had an accident. What they should be doing is actually learning from that and implementing some better safety procedures.”

BBC Studios said that there will be a health and safety review of the show, “in line with our procedures”.

Top Gear first aired in 2002 and has since become one of the BBC’s most successful programmes. Flintoff joined the show in 2019 alongside Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris.

So what do YOU think? Should the BBC axe Top Gear altogether? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

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