Flintoff settled with BBC for £9m, addressing accidents his authorized group described as “life-altering vital”
BBC’s iconic motoring present, Prime Gear, will stay off screens “for the foreseeable future” following presenter Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff’s accident throughout filming final 12 months.
The choice to halt the UK present was made after Flintoff sustained accidents in a crash at Prime Gear’s check observe in Surrey, inflicting the 34th collection to be discontinued. The BBC emphasised its dedication to Flintoff and co-presenters Chris and Paddy, expressing pleasure about future tasks with them.
In a press release, the BBC clarified, “We all know resting the present shall be disappointing information for followers, however it’s the proper factor to do.” All different points of Prime Gear, together with worldwide codecs, digital content material, magazines, and licensing, will proceed unaffected throughout this hiatus.
Flintoff not too long ago settled with the BBC for a reported £9 million, addressing the accidents his authorized group described as “life-altering vital.” The TV license charge is not going to fund the compensation payout, as BBC Studios operates as a business arm of the broadcaster.
Final month, the BBC introduced a well being and security overview of the present, undertaken by an impartial third get together. Whereas the exterior investigation report is not going to be printed, the BBC Studios highlighted essential learnings that might be utilized to future Prime Gear UK productions.
The overview prompt adjustments in working approaches, emphasising elevated readability on roles, and duties, and improved communication between groups.
Flintoff, a former England cricketer, was photographed in September main fielding drills with England gamers, revealing seen scars and tape on his face from the accident.
The 45-year-old, who retired from cricket in 2009, joined Prime Gear in 2019, contributing to the present’s renaissance with co-hosts Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris. The latest collection attracted a median viewers of 4.5 million viewers.
