Freddie Flintoff reveals details about aftermath of horrific Top Gear crash
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Freddie Flintoff has shared the intense physical and emotional struggles he has faced after a nearly deadly crash on Top Gear, confessing that he "truly shouldn't be alive."
The ex-cricketer was in a terrible accident while filming the car show in December 2022, resulting in the BBC pausing production indefinitely. They mentioned it would not be suitable to carry on with the show at this time.
In a recent BBC film, Flintoff talks about the accident that caused him to have surgery on his face. He shares that he still has bad dreams, memories that suddenly come back, and feelings of fear.
"I really shouldn't be here after what happened," he stated, sharing that he couldn't just brush it off after the accident.
In an upcoming episode of Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams on Tour, Flintoff revealed that shortly after the incident, he expressed his desire to not dwell on self-pity or seek sympathy. He confessed to struggling with anxiety, experiencing nightmares, and having troubling flashbacks, making it difficult for him to cope with the situation.
"However, if I don't take action soon, I may never accomplish my goal. I need to push myself and make progress."
Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams takes us on a journey as the former cricket player travels to India to film with the Lancashire Cricket Academy, who is currently on a tour.
In the show, he talks about his journey to getting better as a "lengthy path to recovery".
The film captures the ex-Lancashire all-rounder in the hospital right after the accident, expressing, "I require assistance, and I acknowledge that I struggle to seek it. I must refrain from crying every couple of minutes."
I have to focus on the good things, right? I'm alive and I have an opportunity to try again. I see it as a second chance, and I have to make the most of it.
"I can't wait to reunite with the guys and spend time with them, I truly am excited."
Discussing moving forward after the incident, Flintoff also mentioned: "Even though I have a strong desire to go out and be active, I have simply not been capable of doing so."
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The celebrity mentioned that he thinks the accident has had a lasting impact on him. When questioned about his current condition, he responded, "I'm still not fully recovered, and I don't know if I ever will be. But I am doing better than before."
I am unsure of what it means to be completely healed. I am currently myself, but I have changed from who I used to be. I will have to come to terms with this reality for the rest of my life. I wouldn't say I am better, just changed.
In the show, Flintoff's ex-Lancashire teammate Kyle Hogg, who is now a coach for the team, talks to the players about his accident and informs them that their journey to India will be delayed.
Hogg explains that Fred is going through a tough time and just needs some alone time right now. When they first started, Fred was always there to support everyone in the room, and now it's their turn to be there for him.
In a video recording, he continues: "Fred's injury is severe, he will require significant time to recover. He is fortunate to have survived the accident."
After the accident, Flintoff reached an agreement on money matters with the company's business division, BBC Studios, for a sum of £9 million.
