BBC to bring motoring show Top Gear back on air
The BBC has confirmed the return of the motoring show Top Gear, which had not aired for nearly four years following a serious crash involving one of its presenters, Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff. Ed Havard, the BBC’s director of entertainment, announced the project’s revival during a panel discussion at the Edinburgh Television Festival, The Guardian reports.
Havard said that the BBC could confirm Top Gear’s return and promised to provide more information soon. At the same time, he declined to name the programme’s future presenters.
Possible presenters
Media reports have suggested that comedian and TV presenter Jimmy Carr could be among the candidates. Havard said Carr would be a great presenter, but stressed that he would not discuss potential candidates. Carr was a guest on Top Gear in 2004 and previously described the programme as one of the biggest TV shows in the world.
Other potential candidates mentioned in publications include former England rugby player Joe Marler, model Jodie Kidd, chef Gordon Ramsay and actor Rowan Atkinson. Kidd previously appeared on Top Gear, holds a racing licence and has presented motoring programmes. Ramsay and Atkinson have also appeared on the show.
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Hiatus after the crash
The programme was put on hold after Flintoff’s crash at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey. He was driving an open three-wheeled Morgan Super 3, which overturned, slid across the tarmac and came to a stop. The presenter was taken to hospital with facial and rib injuries.
After the incident, the BBC said the series would be “resting” for an indefinite period. The corporation later reached a financial settlement with Flintoff, reportedly valued at around £9 million.
Top Gear launched in 1977 and became one of the BBC’s biggest hits in the 2000s, when it was presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Since 2018, the presenters have been Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris.
