Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams renewed for third series after leaving fans in tears

Freddie Flintoff's popular series, Field of Dreams, has been given the green light for a third season following the cricket legend's triumphant return to television after his Top Gear car crash incident.

The show features Flintoff leading a group of young lads from Preston, Lancashire, on an enlightening cricket tour of India, demonstrating how the sport can transform their lives.

Despite the second series wrapping up on Tuesday night, the BBC has already started filming for the third instalment.

An insider close to the production told The Daily Mirror: “Freddie's last two series have been a huge success and he and the boys have loved making them. The BBC jumped at the chance to do a third series.”

The upcoming series, set to air later this year, will introduce a new dynamic with the Preston lads joining forces with youngsters from neighbouring Blackpool.

According to the source, both groups of lads relished in playful banter, with the Preston boys jesting that the newcomers from Blackpool are 'too posh for them. '.

In the season finale, the cricketers were put to the test with their most challenging match yet at Kolkata Football & Cricket Club.

As the journey neared its end and thoughts turned towards returning home, Flintoff took the time to sit down individually with each lad to address any concerns or worries they might have. They also participated in the vibrant Hindu festival of Holi, watched Kushti wrestling, and had tarot readings.

Audiences have been captivated by the series, hailing it as 'the best of British TV' and 'truly inspirational'.

Flintoff was lauded for his empathetic approach towards the boys, particularly Finn who found a glamorous dinner party with top West Bengal figures overwhelming.

Calls have been made for him to be honoured with a BAFTA and a Sports Personality of The Year award.

However, the season almost didn't happen due to Flintoff's near-fatal crash in December 2022 at Dunsfold airfield in Surrey, which left him 'lucky to be alive'.

Following a reported £9m settlement with the BBC over the crash, paid by the broadcaster's commercial arm, Flintoff decided to leave Top Gear, leading to the show being put on hold.

During the programme, he spoke about the crash for the first time, revealing that it had been 'so hard to cope' with severe anxiety that left him housebound in the months after the incident.

The former England captain's candidness moved viewers to tears, with many commending him for discussing his struggles post-crash.