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Paddy McGuinness Speaks Out on Relationship with Andrew Flintoff After Top Gear Crash
Following Andrew Flintoff’s harrowing accident during Top Gear filming in December 2022, former co-star Paddy McGuinness has addressed their relationship. Flintoff, the ex-England cricket captain, has previously revealed that he and McGuinness hadn’t spoken much since the incident. Now, McGuinness shares his perspective on their bond and the aftermath of the Top Gear crash.
Flintoff’s Documentary Reveals Impact of Top Gear Accident
Flintoff sustained significant injuries while filming for the BBC’s Top Gear. The incident involved a Morgan Super 3 vehicle overturning at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey. The vehicle lacked airbags, resulting in severe facial injuries and broken ribs for Flintoff.
- Flintoff received a substantial £9 million settlement from the BBC following the accident.
- He also criticized the corporation, alleging he was treated poorly to boost viewership.
- In a recently released 98-minute documentary, Flintoff disclosed that he had limited contact with McGuinness and Chris Harris post-accident, despite their close camaraderie on the show.
McGuinness Expresses Affection for Flintoff
According to the Mirror, McGuinness has now addressed his association with Flintoff, lovingly nicknamed Freddie.
“I love Fred. He’s a good lad. The mad thing about me getting on with him so well is that I know absolutely zero about cricket. I’ve never watched it, never been into it and never played it. I knew of Freddie and Ian Botham and Michael Vaughan… the famous names.”
Fond Memories of Top Gear Filming
McGuinness reminisced about his time working with Flintoff, highlighting the enjoyable atmosphere on set:
“Me, Fred and Chris [Harris] everyday we worked together we just laughed. It was such a lovely experience. It was one of those jobs for me, as someone who wasn’t well travelled to visit the places we did in Top Gear and go off the beaten track.”
He continued, “It was only when I reflect on the things we did that I think what a privilege it is to have done that job. Freddie and I still message. But everyone’s got busy lives.”
“It’s like with every show I do, you work with people and you keep in touch but no one lives near everyone. It’s like lightning in a bottle getting everyone together.”
Fallout from Top Gear Cancellation
Following the cancellation of Top Gear after Flintoff’s injury, there have been reports of discontent.
A source speaking to MailOnline claimed: ‘Paddy was moaning because he had lost his job, the show went so really it was a case of him being made redundant. It was a big income for him and suddenly it was gone after Freddie’s accident.’
Regarding the situation, BBC insiders have said that the situation may have led to the creation of the show ‘Paddy and Chris: Road Tripping’ in order to keep McGuinness content.
Flintoff’s Concerns and Recovery
Flintoff expressed concerns that seeing his former colleagues might trigger painful memories, acknowledging their careers were also affected by the Top Gear production halt.
‘”We’ve been in contact,”‘ he stated. ‘”When I saw Chris we hugged each other, he got upset and I got a little bit upset.
“‘I feel bad I haven’t been more in contact with him and Paddy. I think there were some comments that I’ve not spoken with Paddy for a while and part of it is for myself a little bit.”
“‘I hate the word triggering… but I’m worried about that. It’s also something that has stopped because of what’s happened to me. Their careers have been halted as well.”
“‘So I feel bad for them and also it’s like what happened gets dragged up enough in my own head without adding to that (by seeing them).”‘
Documentary Reveals Harrowing Details of the Crash
The documentary, titled ‘Flintoff,’ offers an in-depth look into the cricketer’s life, detailing the accident and his subsequent journey to recovery.
In the film, Flintoff admits to wishing he had died in the aftermath of the collision, fearing severe disfigurement. He had to undergo extensive surgeries following the accident and remained homebound for seven months as part of his recovery.
Flintoff’s Road to Recovery and New Beginnings
With support from friends and family, including his wife Rachael, Flintoff eventually returned to public life. He has since embarked on a coaching career, finding renewed purpose through cricket.
“‘When Andrew needed it most, cricket was there for him. Cricket saved him. It gave him a reason for being again,’” said Flintoff’s wife Rachael.
Flintoff’s legacy as a celebrated cricketer remains, highlighted by his instrumental role in England’s 2005 Ashes victory. The Top Gear accident and subsequent recovery journey have added another chapter to his remarkable story.