Update: Freddie Flintoff opens up on ‘life-altering’ injuries as he makes heartbreaking statement News

Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff was involved in a high-speed crash while filming an episode of Top Gear in December 2022 and will speak about his recovery in a new documentary

Former England cricketer Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff has shared the story of the 130mph Top Gear crash that left him severely injured in a new documentary for Disney+.

In the crash, which occurred at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in December 2022, Flintoff sustained severe facial injuries and broken ribs. The former cricketer has spoken about the trauma he faced, expressing frustration over the speculative reports on his condition that prompted him to open up about the crash now.

After spending nine months out of the public eye, he has since resumed his involvement with cricket, serving as a consultant for the England white-ball team and head coach for the England Lions.

A documentary about his journey to recovery, titled ‘Flintoff’, features behind-the-scenes footage as director John Dower accompanies him for the past year, sharing his return to sport, interactions with friends and family, and offering a glimpse of the crash scene.

As seen in the documentary’s trailer, Flintoff opens up about the crash, reports the Mirror. “I remember everything about it,” he reveals. “It’s so vivid.” Upon examining himself, he reflects: “This is what I’m left with.

“I’ve lived under the radar for seven months, one of the real frustrations was the speculation, that’s why I’m doing this now. What actually happened?” Flintoff shares: “I wouldn’t say I’m embracing them but I’m not trying to hide my scars.

“It’s almost like a reset. I’m trying to find out what I am now. I’ve always seemed to be able to flick a switch, I’ve got to find that switch again.”

The 47-year-old has also returned to broadcasting, presenting the second series of ‘Freddie’s Field of Dreams’ last year and taking the helm of a revamped ‘Bullseye’. But coaching remains his primary pursuit.

With a strong bond with Rob Key, the managing director of England men’s cricket, Flintoff has found support for his involvement in the sport. Since September 2023, he’s been working with the white-ball team and has recently taken on the roles of head coach for both the Lions and the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred.

Steve Harmison, another close friend and team-mate from England’s memorable 2005 Ashes victory, shared with the Mirror how Flintoff was “overwhelmed by the outpouring of love” upon his return to cricket.

“It’s great to see him back,” said Harmison. “He loved every minute of it. He was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love with everybody seeing him for the first time since that horrific accident.

“Andrew Flintoff has been a cricket man since he was 10 years old. He’s been brought up in it, his dad Colin and all his family were cricket, cricket, cricket. He was destined to play for England from the age of 12.

“He’s always had cricket in his life, but unfortunately when he left somebody was going to pay him a lot more money to do things that he was even better at which was to entertain. Sometimes it takes a little bit of time away to come back to the thing you love the most and he enjoyed being with the England team.”

The documentary, directed by John Dower, will air on April 25 on Disney+.