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BBC confirms Top Gear will return from hiatus

The British motoring show has been off the air since a severe filming accident in 2022.

The short version

  • The BBC has confirmed that its flagship motoring television show, Top Gear, will return following an indefinite hiatus that began in 2023.
  • The show's production was paused after co-host Freddie Flintoff suffered severe facial injuries and broken ribs in a December 2022 crash.
  • Details regarding the return, including the premiere date, format changes, and who will host the new iteration, have not yet been announced.

Key facts

  • BBC director of entertainment Ed Havard confirmed the return of Top Gear at the Edinburgh TV festival.[Car and Driver]
  • The show was placed on an indefinite pause following a severe 2022 accident involving host Freddie Flintoff during filming.[Car and Driver]
  • Flintoff's accident occurred while driving a Morgan Super 3, which flipped and dragged him, resulting in broken ribs and disfiguring facial injuries.[Car and Driver]
  • The most recent hosting lineup before the hiatus consisted of Chris Harris, Paddy McGuinness, and Freddie Flintoff.[Car and Driver]

What remains uncertain

  • The BBC has not yet announced the format of the revived show or who will host it, leading to media speculation that includes comedian Jimmy Carr.[Car and Driver]

Sources