Former Top Gear stars Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris are reportedly set to star in a brand-new travel programme without their pal Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff. The commission comes just months after the BBC announced a decision to “rest” the long-running automobile show.
In December 2022, Freddie was involved in a huge accident whilst filming for the motoring magazine programme. Following the crash, production on the 34th series of Top Gear was suspended.
Months later, the broadcaster later put out a statement, and wrote: "We remain committed to Freddie, Chris and Paddy who have been at the heart of the show's renaissance since 2019 and we’re excited about new projects being developed with each of them".
Now, it looks as if the broadcaster is making good on its word by commissioning Chris & Paddy: Roadtrip. According to The Sun, the travelogue will see Paddy, 50, and Chris, 49, heading out on adventures across Europe.
Furthermore, an insider claimed the project wouldn’t feature any car reviews, nor would the presenters be performing stunts. A BBC Studios insider told the publication: “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.”
BBC bosses officially put Top Gear on hold for the “foreseeable future” in November 2023 after making the decision to “rest the UK show”.
The stop came when former cricketer Freddie, 46, reportedly flipped a Morgan Super 3 car while filming in late 2022.
The accident took place at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome and caused the star to suffer severe facial injuries.
After news of Top Gear’s axing was aired, Chris Harris took to social media to say his farewell.
Chris, who had helmed the show since its 23rd season in 2016, posted a picture of himself, Freddie and Paddy in a car to Instagram.
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He accompanied the image with the caption claiming how he’ll “remember his time” on Top Gear.
"Hundreds of hours laughing. There’s much to be said on how/why/what in the future.
“But for now, I’ll remember the good times and enjoy how much I love now being a part of @collectingcars. Look after people and, sometimes, they’ll look after you."
Paddy also took to social media to have his say on the temporary Top Gear cancellation.
He wrote: “We were always going to be b*****ds but we were your b*****ds."
“Thanks for all the love over the years folks, it was very much appreciated. #TopGear.”
Express.co.uk has reached out to the BBC for comment.
Episodes of Top Gear are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
