Top Gear future in doubt after BBC show’s editorial director follows Flintoff in leaving

Clare Pizey has worked with presenters Chris Harris, left, Paddy McGuinness, centre, and Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff, right
Clare Pizey has worked with presenters Chris Harris, left, Paddy McGuinness, centre, and Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff, right - Instagram

The future of Top Gear is once again uncertain after the show’s editorial director quit months after presenter Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff’s departure.

Clare Pizey, Top Gear’s editorial director since March 2022, is leaving after seven years with the series.

Ms Pizey stepped away from the day-to-day production responsibilities as co-executive producer on the show last year to take on her promotion as director.

A spokesperson from BBC studios said: “Top Gear’s editorial director Clare Pizey is leaving BBC Studios after seven years.

“With co-executive producer Alex Renton, Clare reinvented and re-energised the motoring entertainment show with the introduction of Paddy [McGuinness], Freddie and Chris [Harris] – and she oversaw Top Gear’s hugely successful move to BBC One in 2020.

“During her time at BBC Studios Clare also executive produced Children in Need, Sport Relief and Top Gear spin-off format The Getaway Car.

“We wish her the very best of luck with her next adventure.”

Dramatic crash

The senior BBC director’s exit comes just months after Mr Flintoff quit the show.

In March, the former professional cricketer Flintoff, 45, left his role as a result of a dramatic crash.

Mr Flintoff, was airlifted to hospital while filming for the series in December.

His open-topped three-wheel Morgan Super 3 car, which was not equipped with air bags, flipped and slid along the track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey while he was driving it at high speed.

The accident severely damaged his face, prompting questions about safety on the show and the future of Top Gear itself.

At the time, BBC Studios released a statement saying they had “sincerely apologised” to Mr Flintoff and that they would continue to support him in his recovery.

Filming of series 34 was suspended with a health and safety review ordered.

Top Gear's viewership increased after Andrew Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness joined Chris Harris in 2018
Top Gear's viewership increased after Andrew Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness joined Chris Harris in 2018 - Lee Brimble/BBC Studios

Before her promotion, Ms Pizey had worked on Top Gear as a co-executive producer since 2017.

It is understood that a decision on the timing of future shows will be made in conjunction with BBC Content in due course.

The show has faced challenges since the departure of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

The broadcaster put the show on hiatus in 2015 after suspending Clarkson over his verbal and physical abuse towards Oisin Tumon, one of the show’s producers.

Several presenters were tried in different combinations from 2016, including Matt LeBlanc, the Friends star, and Chris Evans, the radio DJ.

Viewership increased in series 27, with Mr Flintoff and comedian and actor Mr McGuinness joining motoring journalist Mr Harris to take the top roles in 2018.