Ever wonder if Mercury in retrograde could mess with your day—or, say, your entire face? Former Top Gear presenter Freddie Flintoff certainly knows a thing or two about unexpected plot twists, after surviving a harrowing crash in a Morgan Super 3 at the very airstrip where those legendary car tests happen. At 47, Flintoff’s near-death accident didn’t just leave him with fractured ribs and a jaw broken beyond easy repair—it carved deep scars into his life and psyche. Facing the abyss, he grappled with fear, depression, and a flicker of doubt about carrying on. Yet, here he is, sharing the raw, unvarnished aftermath in his new series, Field of Dreams. It’s a tale of resilience that feels almost cosmic—like the universe daring him to rewrite his story, one breath at a time. Ready to dive into Flintoff’s journey from wreckage to redemption? LEARN MORE
Warning: this article contains content some readers may find distressing
Former Top Gear presenter Freddie Flintoff has opened up on his near-death accident on his new series, Field of Dreams.
The TV personality suffered from a number of severe injuries following the crash of a Morgan Super 3 at Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey, the site of Top Gear’s test track.
Now 47, Flintoff was airlifted to St George’s Hospital, London, where surgeons operated in him following the incident that left the former cricket star believing he could’ve died.
Photos showing how disfigured his face was upon arriving at the hospital, as well as following surgery, highlighted the extent of the crash and how his appearance had been changed forever.
Having landed face-first in the impact, Flintoff had a number of hard and soft tissue injuries following the crash, as well as broken teeth, broken ribs, and a fractured jaw.
Freddie Flintoff has opened up about the mental toll that his injury has had (Jan Kruger – ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
The surgeon who operated on Brit spoke in a documentary titled Flintoff which landed on Disney+ in April, admitting it was among the most severe he’d ever dealt with in this career.
Now, speaking on the new series of Field of Dreams, he opened up about the low points he faced following the accident, admitting that he didn’t know if he could keep going afterwards.
After setting up his first-ever girls team in Blackpool, the presenter spoke to a teenage girl and after being asked about the experience, he said: “It was, what – 18 months ago? I’ve suffered with things like depression in the past before, but this time was different.
“I didn’t know if I had it in me to carry on… not that I wanted to die or anything like that, I just didn’t know if I had it in me, and that took a while.”
Flintoff admitted previously on Field of Dreams On Tour that he’s ‘not the best’ at asking for help when he’s in a tough spot.
Speaking months after the accident, he admitted:
He added: “I need help, and I realise I’m not the best at asking for it. I need to stop crying every two minutes. I’ve got to look at the positives, haven’t I?
“I’m still here, I’ve got another chance, I’ve got to go at it. I’m seeing that as how it is, a second go.”
Flintoff shared more graphic snaps of his accident earlier this year (BBC)
The former athlete even said that he was struggling with anxiety, nightmares and flashbacks, admitting ‘if I don’t do something, I’ll never go. I’ve got to get on with it,’ when speaking about his then-upcoming tour to India with the cricket team.
Flintoff has been open about the aftermath of his crash, saying in the trailer of his documentary: “I remember everything about it… it’s so vivid.”
Field of Dreams: Ultimate Test, is set to air on BBC One on September 7.
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