Ed Havard, the broadcaster’s director of entertainment, made the announcement at the Edinburgh TV Festival. It comes nearly four years after host Freddie Flintoff was seriously injured in a high-speed crash while filming in Surrey. Production of the 34th series of the motoring show was halted following the incident, and the BBC later announced that it would “rest” for the foreseeable future.
In 2023, Flintoff and the broadcaster reached a settlement over the crash, with the former host reportedly paid about £9m. Speaking at a panel event on Thursday, Havard was asked whether the show would return to the broadcaster. Rumours have been swirling that comedian Jimmy Carr will host the reboot.
When asked, Havard replied: “Jimmy would be a great host but I won’t be discussing that today. New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.
This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. It has had 13 presenters over the decades, with Flintoff, Chris Harris, and Paddy McGuinness making up the latest hosting trio. It also featured an anonymous, helmet-wearing test driver, known as ‘The Stig’, who was later revealed to be Paul Rees.
The ex-Formula 2 and Porsche Supercup driver said in July that he was in the car crash alongside Flintoff, and has “no idea how I survived”. He is suing the BBC for damages. The broadcaster has strenuously denied negligence.
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