Top Gear set to return to the BBC four years after the series was shelved following Freddie Flintoff's crash - 'with comedian Jimmy Carr in talks to replace him'

The BBC is set to bring back Top Gear four years after it was shelved following Freddie Flintoff's crash.

The news was confirmed by the BBC Director of Entertainment Ed Havard at the Edinburgh TV Festival on Thursday, amid reports that comedian Jimmy Carr, 53, is in talks to replace Freddie.

Harvard said: 'I know there’s been lots of speculation about this, but we can confirm that Top Gear is coming back.'

And while he said he was 'not going to talk about talent today,' he did admit that Carr would be a great choice. 

BBC Studios have reportedly already started work on the revamped show which could air as soon as next year. 

Ex England cricket captain Freddie, 48, was seriously injured while filming the show in 2022, when the Morgan Super 3 three-wheeled sports car he was driving in icy conditions at Dunsfold Aerodrome flipped over. 

He was not wearing a crash helmet, and suffered severe facial injuries as his face was dragged along the tarmac, as well as broken ribs. 

Freddie, who presented the show with Paddy McGuiness, 53,  and Chris Harris, 51, underwent four hours of surgery and suffered hard and soft tissue injuries, broken and lost teeth and fractures and displacement to part of his upper jaw bone. 

He was also left with mental health issues linked to the accident including terrifying flashbacks. 

Shortly after the crash, the BBC announced Top Gear would be rested for the 'foreseeable future'. Freddie quit the show and reportedly received a £9million settlement from the BBC. 

The broadcaster said in 2023: 'We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery.

'We understand [halting the show] will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we'll make a judgement about how best to continue later this year.' 

The Stig, who was in the car with Freddie, said he 'nearly died'  – the TV driver, 41, was later unmasked as former Formula 2 racer Paul Rees.

Paul broke his back in the crash and is now claiming in excess of £100,000 in damages.

He first submitted a claim a year after the accident but says he would have settled for a heartfelt apology.

On Thursday, Chief content Officer Kate Phillips said: 'We’re committed to doing really big shows still and when you’re talking about Top Gear is that, even though we haven’t a new series for a while, on iPlayer it’s still massive for the back catalogue. 

'So we know the audience want it back.'

While Jimmy might seem an odd replacement for Freddie, he is in fact a motor car enthusiast. He has a personal car collection worth in the region of £1 million.

And he appeared on Top Gear many times when it was presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

A source told The Sun: 'Production have their sights set on Jimmy, he’s the ideal host to take the show into a new era and revive Top Gear. 

'He’s keen to work on something mainstream after spending so many years fronting comedy panel show.

'He’s a real car buff, too, so it would be a passion project. Casting directors are now working to find talent to join him in the new-look ensemble.' 

A BBC Studios spokesperson told Daily Mail back in May: 'The Top Gear brand continues to thrive across digital, publishing, and global formats.

'As a commercial producer, we’re always exploring new ways to develop the brand and reach audiences by leveraging such iconic IP – but there’s no update on the TV show at this time.'

Freddie's co-star Chris had previously raised concerns over the safety of some of the stunts on the show, which had gradually moved away from providing consumer advice on cars in favour of motoring-based entertainment.

Speaking to podcaster Joe Rogan, the presenter said he had warned the BBC three months before the accident that there could be a 'serious injury' or 'fatality'.

He said: 'What was never spoken about was that three months before the accident, I'd gone to the BBC and said, 'Unless you change something, someone's going to die on this show'.

'So I went to them, I went to the BBC and I told them of my concerns from what I'd seen - as the most experienced driver on the show by a mile.'

While Paddy and Freddie were 'brilliant entertainers', he said they 'didn't have the experience I had in cars'. 

Elsewhere, Prime Video have unveiled their reboot of The Grand Tour.

Former Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May left the show in 2015, but will be making cameo appearances in the next series to aid the show in its success.  

And it seems Clarkson had some stark words of advice for new hosts, viral train-spotter Francis Bourgeois, YouTuber James Engelsman and motoring journalist Thomas Holland

Ahead of the new series, which hits Prime Video on September 4, Jeremy warned them 'not to f**k it up'.

The opening episode of The Grand Tour sees the trio pay a visit to Jeremy at his Diddly Squat farm, where he tells them: 'Listen, guys. Seriously. Have fun with this. Good luck. Don't f*** it up. Right?

'I've got to be honest with you. I've actually been watching what they've been up to for the past year and a half, and they're very, very good. You're gonna love it.'