Freddie Flintoff sets record straight over TV future after BBC Top Gear exit as he lays out career hopes
Freddie Flintoff has spoken candidly about his future on TV, three years on from his nightmare car crash while filming BBC Top Gear.
The 47-year-old former England cricketer was left with facial scarring after the horror incident and has only recently returned to TV work.
Flintoff was speaking on ITV The Jonathan Ross Show alongside The White Lotus star Jason Isaacs, comedian and actor Rebel Wilson, actor David Oyelowo and Bafta-winner Sophie Willan.
Reflecting on his accident, Flintoff said: “Obviously there’s the physical scars that I’ve got. But then the mental side of it.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Freddie Flintoff horror BBC Top Gear crash shown for first time in new documentary as he admits ‘I remember everything’Freddie Flintoff ‘thrilled’ to return to screens as ITV finally announce return of beloved seriesFreddie Flintoff leaves fans ‘weeping’ as he shares full extent of injuries upon TV return for first time
“I didn’t leave the house for probably six or eight months. The only times I was leaving the house were for medical appointments and surgeries,” he revealed.
According to reports, Flintoff was driving at 130mph in an open-top Morgan Super 3 car when it flipped over and crashed.
He wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time, meaning his face made direct contact with the ground. After 45 minutes, the presenter was airlifted to hospital where he was treated for his injuries – lucky to be alive.
After the accident, Flintoff was left with several broken ribs and facial injuries that he has described as “life-altering”.
“I was wearing a full face mask for months… ” Flintoff revealed, explaining he had suffered from “crippling anxiety” about going out because of his injuries.
Part of his recovery was rekindling his love for cricket, after being invited by his friend and former boss Rob Key to watch test matches.
The process helped rebuild Flintoff’s confidence and passion for what was “such a massive part of my life” where he now coaches the second-tier England Lions team.
“That’s the one place I feel most comfortable. Cricket is embracing me again and my mates and everything. The TV was good. But I feel like I’m back home being involved in cricket,” he explained.
“The TV stuff, I still do the odd job, I’ve got bills to pay. But cricket now, back in coaching is my definite future, I’m loving it,” he declared.
While Flintoff obviously sees cricket as his main objective for the future, fans can still expect to see him on screens.
The documentary, called Flintoff and telling his life story, features exclusive access to Flintoff and includes appearances from his wife Rachael and close friends.
Elsewhere, the 47-year-old will also host a revived series of ITV’s Bullseye – following the huge success of the, at the time, on-off Christmas special.
“Always loved darts growing up watching it, the great players… It was the first thing I’d done (on tv since his accident), it’s a format and a show I loved in the 80s. I’m no Jim Bowen. We’ve got a series later in the year and a Christmas special,” the sportsman celebrated.