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Freddie Flintoff’s Healed Face & New Disney+ Doc on Near-Fatal Top Gear Crash

BBG News

Freddie Flintoff shows off his fully healed face as he announces his new Disney + documentary.

Titled “Flintoff,” the movie explores the significant aftermath of a severe car accident he encountered during filming for BBC’s motoring show, Top Gear, in 2022, which took place on their test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

47-year-old cricket icon met with an accident in a high-speed (130 mph) open-air, three-wheeled Morgan Super 3 vehicle, lacking any airbags for safety.

The crash left him with severe facial injuries and several broken ribs.

After the incident, he had a prolonged and painful 45-minute ordeal before the air ambulance arrived to transport him to the hospital. Later, the BBC extended their apologies to the news presenter for any inconvenience caused.

The production of Top Gear, a TV show where he co-hosts with comedian Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris, has been halted, and the show’s continued existence is uncertain following its extended break that started in November.

For several months, Freddie stayed away from public life while he was healing from the accident. His loving wife Rachel, at 42 years old, allegedly urged him to avoid work and focus on his recovery instead.

His son Corey, 19, told TopMob following the accident that his father was ‘lucky to be alive’.

Now without a scar in sight, the cricketer appeared fully healed in his latest promotional photos.

Besides recounting the crash, the documentary will also delve into Flintoff’s illustrious cricket career, highlighting his achievements such as leading England to two victorious Ashes series and assuming the role of team captain.

Reflecting on that 90-minute movie, here’s what struck me profoundly as someone deeply connected to cricket: Cricket has always held a significant role in my existence, molding the person I have become.

Reflecting on both the triumphs and hardships, as well as the obstacles encountered post-accident, serves as a powerful testament to the profound significance my sports journey has held for me.

Last summer, he went back on TV for the second season of Field of Dreams On Tour, which was part two of his BBC program.

On the program, he openly admitted the hardships he’s faced since his accident, discussing this difficult topic for the first time.

He expressed: ‘I find myself battling anxiety, having terrifying dreams and experiencing flashbacks. It’s been incredibly challenging to manage. However, I realize that if I don’t act, I won’t achieve anything. I need to push forward.’

I’ve got a tough journey ahead, and I’m just beginning, but I’m finding it challenging already. Could you possibly offer some assistance? I truly could use it.

As a dedicated follower, I struggle with expressing my needs effectively. I find myself shedding tears more frequently than I’d like. However, I eagerly anticipate reuniting with the team and enjoying their company wholeheartedly. Truly, it’s a pleasure to be among them.

Despite the challenges, it’s clear I’m still alive and kicking. This gives me another opportunity to try again, and that’s exactly what I intend to do. In essence, this is like getting a second chance.

According to reports, Andrew Flintoff received a £9 million settlement from the BBC’s commercial division following an accident, which they were responsible for funding.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’d like to share an insightful revelation from a cricketing legend. He confessed that the repercussions of a near-fatal accident may linger with him ‘for the remainder of my days’. Remarkably, he expressed his conviction that he ‘shouldn’t logically be alive’ following an incident where he flipped a three-wheeled vehicle at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome during filming for Top Gear.

No images of the accident have ever been made public, leaving uncertainty about the severity of Flintoff’s injuries since he stayed home for nearly a year following the event.

However, when Flintoff reemerged in the limelight by returning to his original love – cricket – in 2023, spectators were saddened to learn about the severity of his facial wounds, which became public knowledge in September of that year.

The athlete disclosed that he broke down crying frequently, as intense recollections of a nearly fatal event constantly troubled him, both during his awake hours and while asleep.

He remarked then: “Two weeks post my accident. Honestly, I shouldn’t be alive given the circumstances.

1. “I’ve just begun this long journey, and it’s proving to be tougher than expected. I could really use some assistance.”

2. “This road ahead looks lengthy, and I’m only at the beginning, but I’m finding it challenging already. Could you lend a hand?”

3. “I’ve just set off on what seems like a long journey, and I’m already feeling the strain. I could use some support.”

4. “The road to recovery looks lengthy, and I’ve barely taken my first steps, but it’s proving harder than anticipated. I could really use some help.”

5. “I’ve just embarked on a long journey, and it’s already more difficult than I had imagined. I need a helping hand.”

He remarked: “I’m not great at asking, but I should quit breaking down every few minutes. I’m eager to hang out with the guys again.

On more than one occasion, this renowned cricket figure has narrowly avoided fatal encounters: shortly following his recruitment for Top Gear, he was involved in a high-speed crash at 125mph back in 2019. Remarkably, he walked away unscathed.

I’ve personally battled mental health issues, including periods of depression, and have shared my story openly. Part of that struggle included experiencing bulimia, a type of eating disorder.

Despite triumphs throughout his professional life, Flintoff’s battles persisted well beyond retirement, as he confessed that his health deteriorated due to continuous overeating during the year preceding the production of the documentary titled “Living with Bulimia.

However, the youth cricket squad he established in his home city of Preston serves as the inspiration for him to venture out into the world once more, propelling his ongoing recovery following the accident.

Flintoff will premiere exclusively on Disney+ in the UK and Ireland on Friday 25th April.

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2025-04-11 19:52

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