The BBC will not resume filming the latest Top Gear series following its investigation into the accident that injured presenter Andrew Flintoff, the corporation said.
The news comes as it's reported Flintoff has told friends he is 'emotionally and physically affected by the crash' and unable to continue his hosting duties at the moment.
BBC Studios has apologised to Top Gear presenter Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, 45, following its investigation into his filming accident in Surrey and said it will not resume production on the latest series of the show.
The statement added that the corporation “will continue to support” Flintoff, who presents the show alongside Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris, “with his recovery”.
It also said: “Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34 of Top Gear at this time.
“We understand this will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we’ll make a judgment about how best to continue later this year.
“This has also impacted the production team, who we continue to support.
“Finally there will be a health and safety review of the show, in line with our procedures.”
Speaking to The Times, a source close to Flintoff said: "Freddie has been seriously emotionally and physically affected by the crash. He is a daredevil, that's what he does, and he doesn't feel like he is able to continue to play that role on the show."
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Former professional cricketer Freddie was taken to hospital after being involved in an accident while shooting for the hit motoring show at the Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey in December.
The dad-of-four was said to be "lucky to be alive" after the accident.
BBC Studios' apology comes after it was reported that his vehicle “was not fitted with air bags“.
Freddie is said to have been driving an open-topped three-wheel Morgan Super 3 sports car when the terrifying incident happened.
According to the Morgan Motor Company website, the £43,000 British hand-made car does not include air bags, but it does still meet UK safety standards.
The vehicle is registered as a “motorised tricycle“.
A source close to the incident said: “Very little has been revealed about the accident and bosses are keen to keep a lid on details.“
“This revelation about not having an air bag is bound to spark questions from fans,“ the insider told The Sun.
It has also been revealed that two other BBC shows are 'at risk' as Freddie was meant to play a key part.
He is said to be fronting a series for BBC Two which has been dubbed as The Repair Shop meeting Top Gear, where people's cars go under serious renovations - whilst Freddie hears from the owner all about how they came to have it and its history.
Freddie has also signed up for a new series of his cricketing documentary, Field of Dreams, but can't film yet.
In December, Piers Morgan revealed that Freddie had been left shaken by the accident.
He told TalkSport: "I'm told it was a pretty serious crash and that Freddie's going to be OK, but it might be a little bit more serious than first appreciated.
"I'm told he's going to be OK which is great news, but I'm also told it was a pretty nasty bang and that he's had surgery and is recovering now and we'll have to wait and see."
