Andrew Flintoff: Ex-England superstar shares emotional video after challenging Top Gear crash

In a new BBC series, Andrew Flintoff has revealed the extensive facial injuries he sustained in a severe crash while filming Top Gear in December 2022. The incident was so grave that production of the show was halted indefinitely by the broadcasting corporation. Flintoff was compensated with £9 million for the traumatic experience.

In the series titled Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams on Tour, the former cricketer candidly discusses the aftermath of the accident. He reveals that the crash left him with significant facial injuries that required surgery. Flintoff admits that the emotional toll has been heavy, expressing difficulty in moving past the trauma and acknowledging that he struggles to ask for help.

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What Flintoff said after horrific Top Gear crash

“I genuinely should not be here after what happened,” he said in a trailer. “I don’t want to sit and feel sorry for myself. I don’t want sympathy. I’m struggling with my anxiety, I have nightmares, I have flashbacks – it’s been so hard to cope. But I’m thinking if I don’t do something, I’ll never go. I’ve got to get on with it. I am struggling already and I need help. I really am. I’m not the best at asking for it. I need to stop crying every two minutes.”

The 46-year-old's injuries are visible in a home video featured in the series, where his face shows gashes and lacerations on his cheeks, mouth, nose, and ears. Flintoff's openness about his ongoing struggles has been praised by viewers, who commended his strength and courage in dealing with the trauma.

The world needs more people like Andrew Flintoff. What an incredible bloke,” a viewer wrote.

“What a man, great strength and courage to come back from what he did and you get the genuine affection he has for those young cricketers. Brilliant to watch,” another viewer said.

Despite the challenges, Flintoff is determined to stay positive, viewing his recovery as a "second chance" and pushing himself to keep moving forward. The series also highlights how taking a young cricket team to India, where they visited an orphanage, helped him begin to overcome his trauma.

“I’ve got to look at the positives, I’ve got another chance, and I’m going to go at it,” he said. “I’m seeing that as how it is - a second go. But you see that, and it pales into insignificance in comparison. You come to a place like this and you see all these kids, it’s inspiring, because all of them have had hardship in their lives. It’s bizarre, I’m getting quite emotional as I’m speaking...I’m going to have to put my sunglasses on!”

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