Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff has revealed his struggles with worries, disturbing dreams, and recollections following the Top Gear collision that he says “altered my life forever”.
The ex-England cricket player and now television personality suffered severe facial injuries and fractured ribs in a crash while filming Top Gear at Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey, in December 2022.
As a consequence, he withdrew from the show – which has been put on hold “indefinitely” by the BBC.
Freddie Flintoff during a nets session at Headingley as he helped coach England. Pic: PA
Flintoff remained out of the public eye for an extended period before reentering the cricket realm as a coach.
During the initial months of the new year, in conjunction with the second season of Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams, the cricket icon spoke candidly about his recuperation.
“I assumed I could easily overcome it. I desired to brush it off and declare ‘everything’s fine’, but that hasn’t been the case,” Flintoff informed the BBC.
He further stated: “It’s been much more challenging than I anticipated. Despite wanting to engage in activities, I have not been able to do so.
“I am grappling with anxiety. I experience nightmares, and flashbacks haunt me. It has been incredibly difficult to handle.”
Prior to this, the BBC confirmed reaching a financial settlement with Flintoff, reportedly amounting to £9 million, as per The Sun.
A representative from BBC Studios remarked: “BBC Studios has struck a deal with Freddie that we believe aids his ongoing recovery, reentry into work, and future aspirations.
“We have sincerely apologized to Freddie and will continue to provide him with support through his healing process.”
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The BBC had earlier stated that resuming production of the Top Gear series following an internal inquiry into the incident would be inappropriate.
Flintoff re-entered the cricket arena as a part of the England coaching team and presently holds his first full-time coaching role with Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
