Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff has said he struggled with anxieties, nightmares and flashbacks after the Top Gear crash that “changed my life forever”.
The TV presenter and former England cricket all-rounder sustained serious facial injuries and broken ribs after a crash while filming Top Gear at Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey, in December 2022.
The incident led to him stepping back from the show – which has since been suspended for the “foreseeable future” by the BBC.
Freddie Flintoff during a nets session at Headingley as he helped coach England. Pic: PA
Flintoff was not seen in public for a long time before he made a return to the cricket world as a coach.
Speaking at the beginning of the year as part of the second series of Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams, the cricket star opened up about his recovery.
“I thought I could just shake it off. I wanted to shake it off and say ‘everything’s all right’, but it’s not been the case,” Flintoff told the BBC.
He added: “It’s been a lot harder than I thought. As much as I wanted to go out and do things, I’ve just not been able to.
“I struggle with anxiety. I have nightmares, I have flashbacks. It’s been so hard to cope with.”
Previously, the BBC said it had agreed a financial settlement with Flintoff, which was reported to be worth £9m, according to The Sun.
A BBC Studios spokesperson said: “BBC Studios has reached an agreement with Freddie that we believe supports his continued rehabilitation, return to work and future plans.
“We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery.”
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The BBC said previously that it would be inappropriate to resume making the Top Gear series following an internal investigation into what happened.
Flintoff returned to cricket as a part of the England coaching staff, and is currently in his first full-time coaching position with Northern Superchargers, in The Hundred.