Top Gear's future 'will be decided imminently' after Freddie Flintoff's car ... trends now
The future of Top Gear will reportedly be decided imminently following Freddie Flintoff's 'severe' car accident.
The former England cricket ace, 45, was airlifted to hospital with facial injuries and broken ribs after a collision at the Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey on December 13.
Filming on the BBC show has been temporarily suspended as Freddie recuperates from his injuries.
BBC bosses are said to be expecting the results of an internal health and safety investigation in the coming days.
A source told The Sun: 'The report is imminent. Only when it is finished and examined will a decision be made on whether Top Gear filming can restart.
Decision: The future of Top Gear will reportedly be decided imminently following Freddie Flintoff's 'severe' car accident
'The show's future depends on what the report says. It's as simple as that.'
BBC Studios Health and Safety Team, which is seperate from the Top Gear production team, launched the investigation.
Freddie's injuries were reportedly more severe because the motor he was in did not have a roof. However, he was wearing a helmet which may have saved his life.
The insider added that the incident was a 'shock for everyone involved and very serious'.
MailOnline has contacted representatives of the BBC and Freddie Flintoff for comment.
BBC Studios confirmed to MailOnline earlier this month that it won't make decisions to resume production until the investigation has concluded.
Production insiders told The Sun that studio officials want to give Freddie time to recover from the accident.
Similarly, it is understood many cast and crew members 'wouldn't feel comfortable beginning again without Freddie anyway' because of the 'integral role' he plays in the show.
Accident: The former England cricket ace, 45, was airlifted to hospital with facial injuries and broken ribs following a collision at the Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey in December (picturd with Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness)
Suspended: Filming on the BBC show has been temporarily suspended as Freddie recuperates from his injurie
BBC previously insisted 'all health and safety procedures' were followed.
Chris Harris, who presents the show alongside Freddie and Paddy McGuiness, was also at the Top Gear test track.
A review of the accident by the Health and Safety Executive, the government agency, has found no evidence of any serious failings requiring a formal investigation.
The smash comes three years after the ex-cricketer narrowly cheated death following a shock 125mph crash.
In 2019, Freddie was heard screaming 'I can't stop,' as he hurtled head-first down a runway just inches off the ground in a three-wheeled cycle car.
Report: BBC bosses are said to be expecting the results of an internal health and safety investigation in the coming days
He had been racing his co-hosts when he realised he was running out of road and about to overshoot the finish line – seeing him spin off in a cloud of dust.
Freddie walked away from the 'near-death' crash unscathed, insisting he was 'absolutely fine'.
He said at the time: 'I go to great lengths to make sure I do well in Top Gear drag races but, on this occasion, I went a few lengths too far. It will look more ridiculous than dangerous when you see it on TV.'
Freddie, who was appointed England cricket captain twice, first in 2006 and 2007, retired from the game in 2010, before briefly returning to play for Lancashire four years later.
