Top Gear stars reunite for new BBC series after Freddie Flintoff’s horror crash-Josie Copson and Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris are working together again (Picture: BBC Studios/Vincent Dolman)

Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris are getting back behind the wheel for a new show.

The presenters saw their series Top Gear officially shelved last year for the ‘foreseeable future’ after co-host Freddie Flintoff was involved in a devastating crash in December 2022.

However, the duo are set to reunite for a brand new road trip show, with the working title Paddy and Chris: Road Trippin.

The BBC series that will see them hit the road around Europe, where they will explore how people in Europe approach life as they get older to try to uncover the ‘secrets to living a long and full life’.

In a statement, Paddy, 50, spoke about his excitement over reuniting with his Top Gear co-star Chris, 49.

‘I’m very much looking forward to getting back on the road with Chris Harris. Not so much looking forward to sharing a confined space with him. He doesn’t believe in deodorant’, he quipped.

It’s been around a year and a half since Freddie’s crash (Picture: MI News/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)

The series will be different to Top Gear (Picture: Geoff Pugh/REX/Shutterstock)

‘On the plus side he’ll give me something to laugh at along the way. Bring it on!’

Chris added: ‘Paddy’s idea of long-haul travel is driving from Bolton to Blackpool, so this European road-trip should be a real eye-opener for both of us.

‘When we’re finished debating the merits of literally everything we encounter, viewers will hopefully take something rewarding away from our deep-dive into the secrets of human longevity – but I’m just hoping my interest in the subject doesn’t dwindle as each mile goes by in Paddy’s company!’

It was previously claimed that BBC Studios was not viewing the programme as a continuation of Top Gear, despite the apparent similarities.

Freddie now makes rare public appearances, and will be returning to TV soon (Picture: PA/Tim Goode)

An insider told The Sun: ‘This is a brand new travelogue show for Paddy and Chris.

‘The duo will travel across Europe, using various modes of transport, visiting people to find the secrets to wellness and happiness — no stunts, no car reviews.’

Just what we need – another couple of celebrities going on a free holiday for a TV show.

Paddy had previously revealed he was working on a new project with Chris.

He said: ‘Me and Chris have got a show, a new show, which we’re starting filming on, so all’s good.’

Paddy and Chris are excited to work together again (Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

The 50-year-old also admitted he hadn’t spoken to Freddie, 46 – who was left with several broken ribs and severe facial injuries after the crash during filming at Dunsfold Aerdrome in Surrey – in 10 months.

At the time, he had been driving an open-topped car going at 130mph when it flipped and slid along the track, and Freddie had to be airlifted to hospital. It was said the former professional cricketer was ‘lucky to be alive’ after the horror incident.

Speaking about the accident, Paddy said: ‘We were all there for him when it happened, and he got back to us all immediately after, but it’s gone quiet since then.

‘Who knows what he must be going through. I still see his wife and we still chat, and we have the same barber, and it’s all lovely.

Paddy opened up about reaching out to Freddie after the accident (Picture: Scott Garfitt/Rex/Shutterstock)

‘I messaged Fred recently saying, “Look, I can’t begin to think what you’re going through but rather than me bombarding you with loads of messages, which can be annoying, if you can’t be [bothered] with that, I’m always here. I hope you’re well and please God, I’ll see you soon”.

‘You just can’t begin to put yourself into his shoes. No one can know what’s going on in his head.’

Since the crash, Freddie has kept a low profile while making rare public appearances, but he will be returning to our screens with the second season of Field of Dreams.

The first season of Field of Dreams saw Freddie return to his home city of Preston, but this time, he’s travelled to India.

Paddy and Chris: Road Trippin’ will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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