Top Gear return CONFIRMED as BBC unveils plans to bring back show four years after Freddie Flintoff crash
The BBC has officially confirmed that Top Gear will be making its comeback, bringing to an end almost four years of speculation about the motoring show’s future.
The announcement came from Ed Havard, the corporation’s director of entertainment, who told the audience at the Edinburgh TV Festival on Thursday: “Top Gear is coming back.”
The long-running programme has not aired since December 2022, after presenter Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff sustained serious injuries in a high-speed crash during filming in Surrey.
Work on the 34th series was subsequently suspended, with the BBC later confirming the show would be shelved indefinitely.
Paddy McGuinness, Chris Harris and Freddie Flintoff hosted Top Gear’s latest series | PAMr Flintoff’s accident occurred while he was filming at the Top Gear test track, leaving him with injuries severe enough to bring production to an immediate standstill.
The BBC took the decision to pause the series indefinitely, describing it at the time as a “rest” for the programme.
The former cricketer’s crash sent shockwaves through the industry and raised serious questions about safety protocols on set.
In the years since, the show’s absence has left a significant gap in the BBC’s entertainment schedule.
Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May worked together for more than two decades | GETTY
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, acknowledged a demand for its return at the festival, stating: “We know that the audience wants it back.”
Despite the confirmation, BBC executives were careful to sidestep questions about who will front the revamped series.
Reports over the weekend suggested that comedian Jimmy Carr is in discussions with the corporation about taking the lead presenter role, while former rugby international Joe Marler has also been linked to the line-up.
Mr Havard declined to address the Mr Carr speculation directly. Ms Phillips was equally guarded, telling the festival audience: “Jimmy would be a great host but we are not discussing talent today.”
Jimmy Carr has been a familiar face on screens for decades | PA
No contracts have yet been finalised, according to multiple reports, leaving the presenting roster firmly unresolved for now.
A BBC Studios spokesperson declined to confirm any details, saying the organisation does not comment on speculation.
Top Gear first launched in 2002 with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May at the helm. The trio departed in 2015 to front The Grand Tour for Amazon’s Prime Video.
Mr Clarkson, Mr May, and Mr Hammond have since moved on to other pastures new, each fronting their own respective shows.
England cricket icon Andrew Flintoff sustained injuries while filming for BBC show Top Gear | PA
The Grand Tour lives on on Amazon Prime Video, with three new faces set to make their debut in an all-new series released next month.
Francis Bourgeois, Thomas Holland, and James Engelsman are the trio taking over from Mr Clarkson and co.
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