Top Gear in chaos as show boss 'quits' months after Freddie Flintoff's crash

Top Gear’s future remains uncertain following reports the show’s boss has quit the series – months after Freddie Flintoff’s crash.

Editorial director Clare Pizey has stepped down from her role after joining the BBC programme in March 2022.

A spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘Top Gear’s Editorial Director Clare Pizey is leaving BBC Studios after 7 years. With co-Executive Producer Alex Renton, Clare reinvented and reenergised the motoring entertainment show with the introduction of Paddy, Freddie and Chris – and she oversaw Top Gear’s hugely successful move to BBC One in 2020.

‘During her time at BBC Studios Clare also Executive Produced Children in Need, Sport Relief and Top Gear spin-off format The Getaway Car. We wish her the very best of luck with her next adventure.’

Her exit comes after former cricket star Freddie, 45, was said to have been airlifted to hospital after being involved in an accident while filming the BBC show last year.

It was claimed that he had to wait for nearly an hour with agonising facial injuries following the incident at the test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey in December.

It has been alleged that he wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time, while the BBC launched a probe to investigate what happened as the future of the series remains up in the air.

A spokesperson for the BBC told Metro.co.uk: ‘In March we concluded our investigation into the accident at the Top Gear Test Track in Surrey, which regrettably injured presenter Freddie Flintoff.

‘We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and continue to support him with his recovery. A health and safety review of the show is underway, in line with our procedures.’

Chief content officer Charlotte Moore later said the focus is on his recovery, rather than rushing to get the show back on air.

‘My priority at the moment is supporting Freddie through his recovery so I think it would be really inappropriate for us to resume filming now,’ she said at a Broadcasting Press Guild event last month.

‘I think when we get to the point where he feels ready … and we’ll get to thinking about getting him back.’

She added: ‘I think we’ve got to talk about what Freddie wants to do. When someone’s in recovery, I don’t think we would push that … I think that would be really inappropriate, I wouldn’t be happy.’

Top Gear is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Source: Read Full Article