Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff has revealed that he stayed indoors for six months following his Top Gear crash, which left him with both physical and mental wounds.
The former cricketer and current TV host suffered severe injuries to his face and ribs in a crash during the filming of the BBC motoring show in 2022.
Speaking on ITV’s The Jonathan Ross Show, Flintoff admitted to battling “overwhelming anxiety” after the crash, experiencing flashbacks and nightmares.
This interview precedes a Disney+ documentary that delves deep into Flintoff’s sports career and his comeback after the accident.
“Afterwards, there were physical scars, but the mental aspect was harder,” Flintoff told Jonathan Ross.
“I barely left home for about six to eight months, only stepping out for medical appointments and surgeries,” he shared.
The ex-England all-rounder also detailed how he had to psych himself up in front of a mirror multiple times before returning to cricket as a coach.
Recalling his experience, Flintoff said, “I hadn’t shown my face without a mask to anyone… it felt like a new beginning.”
In a teaser for the Disney+ documentary, Flintoff vividly remembers the crash and the aftermath.
A still from the incident shows the scene at Top Gear’s test track at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey.
Flintoff shared that it was initially odd filming the documentary, as he revisited traumatic memories.
The cricket star is looking forward to the documentary release on 25 April, sharing insights from his loved ones and fellow celebrities.
One of England’s most celebrated cricketers, Flintoff expressed his joy in returning to the sport as a coach for England Lions.
“Cricket has always been my safe space, especially in recent years,” he told Jonathan Ross.
The 47-year-old made a TV comeback last year with a second season of Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams, which has been recognized for a BAFTA Television Award nomination.
In 2023, Top Gear was put on hold by the BBC, with a financial agreement reached with Flintoff.
Catch The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturdays at 22:20 BST on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.