The BBC has spoken out on the “exceptional circumstances” leading to its decision to rest Top Gear for the foreseeable future.
The broadcaster confirmed yesterday that the popular motoring show would be taking an indefinite hiatus.
It comes after former Lancashire and England cricketer, turned popular TV personality and presenter, Andrew Flintoff – more commonly-known as ‘Freddie’ – was involved in a horror crash while filming at Top Gear’s test track at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey back in December 2022.
The Preston-born sportsman sustained “serious injuries” during the incident, and was subsequently airlifted to hospital for treatment.
Although the BBC said at the time that his injuries were not life-threatening, sources close to the former England cricket captain revealed he’d been left “psychologically traumatised” following the incident, and would likely “never return” to Top Gear filming.
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The BBC has made the decision to take Top Gear off air for the “foreseeable future” / Credit: Freddie Flintoff (via Instagram) | BBC
Now, the BBC has issued a statement on its decision to “rest” the series for the time being.
The broadcaster said it “remains committed” to the massively-popular series’ three current hosts, which also includes Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris, but that resting the show for the “foreseeable future” is “the right thing to” given the “exceptional circumstances”.
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The BBC’s statement reads in full: “Given the exceptional circumstances, the BBC has decided to rest the UK show for the foreseeable future.
“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.
Former cricketer turned TV host Freddie Flintoff was involved in a crash while filming Top Gear in 2022 / Credit: The Hundred
“We know resting the show will be disappointing news for fans, but it is the right thing to do.”
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The broadcaster has, however, assured fans of the show that all other Top Gear activity – which includes international formats, digital, magazines, and other licensing – remains “unaffected” by this indefinite hiatus.
Flintoff has now been appointed the Head Coach of the Leeds-based men’s Northern Superchargers cricket team, it was confirmed last week.
This is his first permanent coaching role following the Top Gear crash.
Featured Image – BBC
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
21st November 2023 
