Top Gear ‘comeback is in the works’ at the BBC 3 years after axe

Freddie Flintoff’s life-changing crash came in December 2022 (Picture: BBC Studios/Vincent Dolman) A Top Gear comeback is reportedly in the works, three years after Freddie Flintoff suffered terrible injuries in an awful accident on the show. The BBC series was taken off air after the incident, but now a reboot is said to be happening. Bosses are looking to source new presenters for a return that could come as soon as next year. Freddie, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris were the most recent set of hosts, but haven’t returned since 2022. An insider reportedly told The Sun: ‘BBC bosses are keen to revive Top Gear because they have never filled the space it left behind and so many viewers hanker after a motoring show.’ According to the publication, the broadcaster isn’t necessarily looking for celebrities to front the show, but big personalities are needed. The former cricketer suffered life-changing injuries (Picture: Disney+/PA Wire) Many will remember Top Gear as having its heyday with Jeremy, James and Richard as the presenting wheel (Picture: Wayne Coetzee/Gallo Images/Getty Images) Former presenters have included the likes of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. After this trio, famous names like Matt Le Blanc and Chris Evans also took on the gig. The show is known for its dangerous stunts, and in December 2022 Freddie was ‘lucky to be alive’ following an accident on set. He was hospitalised after driving an open-topped, three-wheel Morgan Super 3 at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey. Do you want Top Gear to return? Yes please - I've missed it!Check No, I think it's had its timeCheck Want to get bespoke updates on the TV shows you love? Sign up to Metro's TV newsletters and tell us which ones you can't get enough of Freddie’s car flipped and slid along the track during filming, and he was airlifted to hospital with broken ribs and facial injuries. In November 2023, the BBC officially announced that ‘given the exceptional circumstances’ it was ‘resting the show for the foreseeable future’. Freddie, Paddy and Chris were hosts together for three years (Picture: Geoff Pugh/Shutterstock) It said: ‘The BBC remains committed to Freddie, Chris and Paddy who have been at the heart of the show’s renaissance since 2019, and we’re excited about new projects being developed with each of them. ‘We will have more to say in the near future on this. We know resting the show will be disappointing news for fans, but it is the right thing to do.’ Freddie is thought to have agreed to £9million in compensation from the BBC after his terrible crash. Richard was also involved in a serious crash while shooting the show at Elvington Airfield, near York. Richard returned to the show for another 8 years after his serious accident (Picture: BBC Picture Archives/BBC Worldwide) He had been driving at 300mph when his jet-propelled car veered off track. The presenter was treated for a brain injury at Leeds General Infirmary, but returned to the show the following year. Jeremy, Richard and James went on to film The Grand Tour with Prime Video after leaving the show in 2015. The Clarkson’s Farm presenter was dropped after a physical altercation with a producer. Richard and James subsequently walked away. Prime has recently announced a reboot of the motoring show, which The Sun reports is part of the reason the BBC wants to revive its format. When contacted by Metro, a BBC Studios spokesperson said: ‘The Top Gear brand continues to thrive across digital, publishing, and global formats. ‘As a commercial producer, we’re always exploring new ways to develop the brand and reach audiences by leveraging such iconic IP – but there’s no update on the TV show at this time.’ Deals of the Day K-beauty is taking over skincare in 2026 – and this new serum is leading the way The best outdoor candles to buy now for alfresco dining and bug-free nights This tablet recreates the feeling of writing on paper – without the mess Shopping for new bedding? Simba Sleep’s latest launch has options for every sleeper Buy one, get 50% off – stock up on SPF for less with iHerb's limited time deal More to follow. 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 celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: Strictly responds to ‘spurious’ Claudia Winkleman rumours Arrow MORE: Angela Scanlon: ‘I’m not trying to replicate Scott Mills on Eurovision’ Arrow MORE: British TV legend hailed as the ‘perfect Claudia Winkleman replacement’ for Strictly TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.