Entertainment

BBC confirms return of motoring show Top Gear four years after Andrew Flintoff crash

The broadcaster has not yet revealed the new hosting lineup for the upcoming series.

Updated Aug 27, 2026 · 12:24 UTC2 reports

The short version

The BBC confirmed that motoring show Top Gear will return to television four years after production was halted following a severe filming accident.
Former co-host Andrew Flintoff suffered serious facial and rib injuries in a 2022 open-topped car crash at the show's test track.
BBC director of entertainment Ed Havard declined to announce the new hosting lineup, stating that further details will be released shortly.

BBC director of entertainment Ed Havard announced the return of Top Gear at the Edinburgh TV Festival.[The Guardian · BBC News]
Production of Top Gear was paused after co-host Andrew Flintoff suffered facial and rib injuries in a 2022 crash driving a Morgan Super 3 at Dunsfold Aerodrome.[The Guardian · BBC News]
The BBC reached a financial settlement with Flintoff following the accident, which was reported to be worth about £9 million.[The Guardian · BBC News]
Racing driver Paul Rees filed a personal injury lawsuit against BBC Studios for up to £150,000 regarding the crash, a claim BBC Studios stated it is defending against.[BBC News]
The return series will be produced by BBC Studios.[BBC News]

The BBC has not formally confirmed the host roster, despite media speculation naming comedian Jimmy Carr and former rugby player Joe Marler as prospective presenters.[The Guardian · BBC News]