Yahoo News Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams fans in tears as star speaks on Top Gear crash
The former England cricketer opened up on his tough battle to recover from a nightmare crash during his new BBC series.
What did you miss?
Fans of cricketer Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff knew his return to TV was set to be an emotional watch, but they were left in tears as he opened up for the first time on his horrific Top Gear crash.
Flintoff was injured during filming for Top Gear in December 2022, just months before he had been due to take his Field of Dreams cricket team on tour to India.
He has stayed out of the public eye since then, with Top Gear on indefinite hiatus, but in the second season of Field of Dreams which documents the tour finally going ahead, Flintoff spoke about how the accident had affected him.
Read more: What we know about Freddie Flintoff's Top Gear crash
The open-top car he had been driving flipped over, leaving him with facial injuries and broken ribs, but Flintoff detailed the mental scars he had been left with as he shared a video of himself speaking shortly after the accident and talking again a year on as he got the tour back up and running.
What, how and why?
Viewers threw their support behind the former England cricketer as one person wrote: "I’m a huge fan of #FreddieFlintoff it seemed he needed these lads as much as they needed him! I’ve spent half this programme filling up! Yes Freddie! What a legend and genuine decent bloke you are."
Someone else commented: "Cried some Mum tears watching this, so good to see the great Andrew Flintoff again. The hero putting the lads before his own needs, truly inspirational."
Another person added: "Freddie Flintoff is a national treasure, so hard to see his struggles on #FieldofDreams glad to see him on the mend though."
Many were left shocked by the video of his injuries after the crash as one viewer admitted: "Man that film Freddie took after the crash hit hard." Someone else agreed: "That shot of Freddie post Top Gear crash broke my heart."
Another viewer shared: "I’m watching this and it really is screaming a healing experience for Freddie as well as the chance of a life time for these boys. It’s clear Fred has been through hell. He’s so brave to let them use shots of his injuries. We’re all behind you."
Freddie Flintoff speaks about Top Gear crash
Flintoff was shown saying: "Genuinely should not be here after what happened. It's going to be a long road back, I'm only just started. look on positives, I'm still here, got another chance, get another go at it, that's how it is. A second go.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the lads. I really am. I really am. This India trip is going to be as much for me for them now. I'm determined, I really want to go."
But Flintoff added: "I don't leave the house either. Got to get on a plane. I've got to be away for two and a half weeks. Got to try put it into perspective. I feel guilty I can't do that. I don't want to sit here and feel sorry for myself. I don't want sympathy.
"Going from being in here for seven months to going to India for two months ago. I go full face mask and glasses. I can't do that. I struggle with anxiety, I have nightmares. I have flashbacks. It's been so hard to cope."
Social media was awash with fans sharing their love and support for the star. One fan wrote: "Just when i thought i couldn't love #FreddieFlintoff any more!! What an incredible human he is!! Giving these lads such a fantastic life experience, after everything he has been through!!"
Another agreed: "Loving #fieldofdreams After everything he's been through, @flintoff11 coming through & getting these lads to India and with so much care & compassion is amazing. Great to have him back on our screens."
Someone else added: "Freddie Flintoff you are a true inspiration not only to the group of lads but anyone going by through a tough time. Great courage and good to see you back."
An impressed viewer wrote: "Wow! I hope Freddie Flintoff realises how brave he is. He is an inspiration to SO many people! Bravery and courage are the words that spring to mind. Anxiety may be there, but with this attitude he will get through anything."
Someone else commented: "What a truly decent & inspiring man Freddie Flintoff is. The patience & care he shows isn’t something you can teach."
Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams On Tour continues on BBC One at 9pm on Tuesday.
