Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff’s “Top Gear” co-star Chris Harris said the former cricketer is “healing” in an update on Thursday.
The former England cricket captain, 45, was involved in a horror accident at the BBC Motor Show at the test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome last December which left him fighting for his life.
He stayed away from the public for several months and sustained facial injuries when he made his first public appearance with the England cricket team in September.
Chris, who joined Top Gear in 2016, said during his appearance on BBC Breakfast: “I think he’s recovering.” It was a serious incident. I won’t say anything more.’
“As I have said in the book and in the few interviews I have given, I am so proud that the Top Gear team kept everything secret and we behaved with dignity.”
Health update: Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff’s Top Gear co-star Chris Harris (pictured) said the former cricketer was ‘healing’ in an update on Thursday.
Injured: The former England cricket captain, 45, was involved in a horror crash on the BBC motoring show last December which left him fighting for his life
The presenter continued: “There is and will not be anything about what happened.” There is no mole in the organization. I’m really, really proud of that.
“As long as he heals, it’s great to see him out there and with his passion for cricket.”
“I’m sad I’m not doing Top Gear with him at the moment but that’s life, it’s the best for him at the moment.”
Speaking about the impact of the accident on his own life, Chris added: “I suddenly had nothing to do.” I have another business, an online car platform, which is great. I do stuff there.
“But my day job is gone, and you can imagine that your muscle memory of work life is really important. You have your routines, if that suddenly stops and you suddenly stop talking to these people, then you don’t see these people anymore.” You go to a slightly dark place. I think I really missed it.’
He added: “It makes you think about the times when things may have gone wrong.” And that made me think that I have responsibilities. I have children. Was I careless? The answer is: I don’t think I did.
“But I had moments of thinking, am I taking this too far?” Plus, I’m old and don’t bounce like I used to. When you’re 25, you’re good at jumping up. Later you don’t jump as well anymore. It’s all about jumping.’
In an interview with The Times this week, Chris said: “I’m just over the moon that my friend Fred is still with us.”
On screen: Appearing on BBC Breakfast, Chris, who joined Top Gear in 2016, said: “I think he’s healing.” It was a serious incident. I won’t say any more’ (LR Freddie Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris on the show)
The presenter continued: “It’s been a difficult year.” But life goes on. I had an amazing experience. “I don’t know what’s next and Fred is fine and Paddy will always be fine,” he added of Paddy McGuinness, who also starred in Top Gear.
Speaking about the future of the show, he explained: “I really can’t answer that.” Let’s just wait and see. I won’t speculate.
The BBC reportedly reached a £9 million financial settlement with Flintoff following the crash. Filming of the series was halted following the incident.