Top Gear

Freddie Flintoff was injured in the crash which happened at Dunsfold Aerodrome near Cranleigh in Surrey, where the former cricketer had been filming for BBC One’s Top Gear

Freddie Flintoff has told how his two-year-old son wouldn’t go near him after his horror Top Gear crash.

The former professional cricketer, 47, said he became “a snappy mess” following the smash which happened during filming for the BBC One programme at Dunsfold Aerodrome near Cranleigh, Surrey. The three-wheeled Morgan supercar overturned on the track and Freddie, who played cricket for England for 11 years, dragged his face along the ground, cutting open the side of his nose, cheek and lips, and shattering his jawbone and teeth.

But he has spoken this week of how traumatic the mental injuries were, revealing for the first time how the ordeal impacted his children. Freddie, who had PTSD following the accident, said: “(After the crash) I would get snappy and angry.

“The kids were incredible… It was the younger one, Preston, because he would have been about two, two and a half, at the time and he wouldn’t come near me to begin with because I was a mess.”

READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson’s farm shop policy sparks bitter backlash as huge star speaks outREAD MORE: BBC Countryfile’s Adam Henson highlights key flaw in Clarkson’s Farm

Top Gear was shelved following the crash, and Freddie reportedly received £9m in compensation from BBC Studios, who make the show. Yet, the star has spoken since at how the experience changed his life, including how he wouldn’t leave his home – except for medical appointments – for six to eight months in the wake of it.

But the former fast bowler, a Lancashire Cricket Club legend, has now said he is on the road to recovery, to a great extent thanks to wife Rachael Wools, whom he wed in March 2005.

Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Freddie said: “I have flashbacks and nightmares, but I’ve probably got more of an acceptance of them now.

“I suppose that the biggest thing it did do, was brought me back to cricket. Family and friends and cricket have been things that now, have probably helped me more than anything. It’s all good now. But Rachael was strong. I suppose she had to be for both of us.”

Freddie, originally from Preston, Lancashire, has returned to TV work in recent months too. A second series of Freddie’s Field of Dreams – in which he creates a brand-new cricket team with a group of promising teens and inspires a fresh generation – aired on the BBC in 2024. The BBC has given the green light for a third series, it is understood.

And the dad was chosen to front the revival of game show Bullseye, which returned as a trial on Christmas Day last year on ITV. It became so popular ITV commissioned Bullseye for a full series, which is set to broadcast before the year is out.

Watch Freddie’s full interview on Thursday on Piers Morgan Uncensored on YouTube.

TEN of the cheapest new cars on sale right now in the UK have been revealed.

Experts have also outlined their thoughts on the selection of new vehicles.

Top Gear gave advise on the list of the ten cheapest cars currently on sale, which includes a bizarre “micro car”.

1. Citroen Ami – £7,695

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At the top of the list is the Citroen Ami that is being sold for “the price of a well-used BMW 3 Series”.

It appears to have the “bones” of a quadricycle with a very boxy shape.

This Citroen comes with an 8bhp electric motor, and 5.5kWh.

Top Gear analysts said it was “fun to use and an entirely loveable object” which can reach top speeds of 28mph.

2. Leapmotor T03 – £14,495

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This is a small Chinese electric car that appears well built.

And its price of £14,495 includes a Leapmotor grant of £1,500.

Even though it is small, the interior is still quite roomy and reasonably comfortable.

“The Dacia Spring has already shown that cheap cars like this can have character, something the T03 severely lacks,” reviewed Top Gear.

3. Dacia Sandero – £14,715

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When it first came into the UK, the Dacia Sandero actually cost just £8,000.

However, it is still the cheapest “proper” petrol-powered car that can be bought in the country at the moment.

The vehicle has been described as “simple”, “spacious”, and one that “absolutely nails the brief” for allowing passengers to get from one place to another.

Top Gear’s verdict on the Dacia Sandero was: “If you don’t in the least bit care about cars, this is probably what you should buy.”

4. Dacia Spring – £14,995

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This car is small, electric and cheap for new cars generally.

It has also been considered “simple” but “fun” like its bigger sibling.

Top Gear stated: “It proves to everyone else it is possible for a BEV to weigh largely the same as its petrol equivalent.

“Well done Dacia.”

5. Kia Picanto – £16,695

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The latest Picanto from Kia is aligned with the maker’s belief in The Small Car,

While looking great, it has a fun motor that offers enough practicality for urban life.

“For a first car or something that’s just needed as a runabout, you can’t go at all wrong with the Picanto,” said Top Gear.

6. Toyota Aygo X – £16,845

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This is a 1.0L, three-cylinder-engined car ideal for the city.

It also has a 71bhp that comes through the front wheels for an exciting 0-62 mph in 14.9 seconds.

For the city, this is surely sufficient because it is unlikely you will going faster than 5mph much.

Top Gear’s verdict on the Aygo X was: “It rides and steers impressively well, although the little three-cylinder engine can feel a little gutless.”

7. Microlino – £16,990

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The Microlino is said to be “becoming the cutest, most adorable thing on the road at any given point”.

It is a “micro” car though so doesn’t leave any room for passengers.

Basically a life-sized, portable, electric Playmobil toy.

“As a car it’s flawed,” admits Top Gear.

“Think of it more as a pet.

“Not brilliantly house-trained, but somehow kinda loveable.”

8. Hyundai i10 – £17,100

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This Hyundai is thought to be the most sophisticated version of the humble i10 yet.

It offers fairly impressive levels of technology and tools, with some decent space inside.

A good overall small car, especially for the price.

“Well done Hyundai for having come up with a fresh city car when lots of other car-makers have canned theirs,” said Top Gear.

9. MG 3: £17,245

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The third generation of the Chinese car maker is small, but not a bad drive.

It’s simple, with a more refined interior to make a good all-rounder.

There is still room for improvement in the ride as Top Gear suggests: “If you can ignore the badge snobbery, you could do a lot worse.”

10. Fiat Grande Panda (hybrid) – £18,035

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This vehicle marks a return for Fiat in making motors that are cheap but fun and full of character.

Top Gear writes: “It has a cheery countenance and knowing sense of heritage.

“We approve.”

Jeremy Clarkson has been inundated with congratulations from fans after he made a rare social media statement

Jeremy Clarkson has made a sudden declaration about his pub, The Farmer’s Dog, on social media this week as he praised staff who have made its inaugural year of trading a triumph.

The Clarkson’s Farm star launched his Cotswolds watering hole in August 2024, documenting the adventure on his Prime Video programme as workers at the time mounted a significant walkout.

Now Jeremy, 65, has shared a photograph of the pub’s signage on Instagram and informed followers: “Exactly a year ago, we opened The Farmer’s Dog to back British farming.

“Today, there are 146 people on the payroll, and I’d like to thank every single one of them for making it such a roaring success.”

Supporters hurried to praise the former Top Gear presenter on his accomplishment, with one retailer of his Hawkstone beer disclosing they have also been marking his triumphs in the commercial realm.

The retailer wrote: “Congratulations! We are proud sellers of Hawkstone and have sold almost 6000 bottles in just over a year! Good going for a small indie shop,” reports the Express.

“Not only are you providing jobs, you are helping small businesses like mine keep going during tough times. Cheers.”

Another person added: “Happy first birthday! We just visited yesterday, what a wonderful creation.”

A third admirer commented, “I hope everyone within the farmers’ cooperative is thriving through the enterprise, too. I’ve visited twice and had a great time. Lovely staff, great location, wonderful food.”

Someone else expressed support by saying, “I look forward to visiting soon; it’s just up the road for me.”

The Farmer’s Dog, a mere 10 miles south of Diddly Squat Farm and nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside along the A40, was formerly known as The Windmill.

Jeremy reportedly paid “less than £1million” for the property, only to find that it had been a popular spot for particularly exhibitionist locals.

Thankfully, the pub has undergone a complete makeover, including the addition of a massive chrome tractor hanging in the bar area.

James May, who is best known for his role on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, bought a pub in 2020 and it’s been reviewed by a content creator who was left impressed by one aspect

Jeremy Clarkson isn’t the only former Top Gear presenter to own a pub. Following his success with Amazon Prime’s Clarkson’s Farm programme, the Grand Tour star opened his own establishment, called The Farmer’s Dog, in August 2024.

Located in Asthall, near Burford in Oxfordshire, it continues to attract sizeable crowds keen to sample the Cotswolds pub for themselves. Meanwhile, fellow Grand Tour star James May purchased The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Salisbury, Wiltshire, in 2020. Unlike Clarkson, May owns half the pub, which dates back to the 18th Century.

Recently content creator Phil Carr, who is known for his satirical reviews of towns and businesses across the UK, decided to visit the establishment himself to see what it was like. In a TikTok video, Phil observed that most celebrities who buy a pub do it as a “self-indulgent folly, a bit of fun, or simply to invest in massive property in hugely valuable areas in a way that people will love them for”.

However, James, who is a part-time resident in Swallowcliffe, and the community-owned pub “looked like it was going down”, he “decided he didn’t want to lose his local”, so he bought into it.

Speaking to Country and Town House, May previously outlined his reasoning for purchasing the derelict pub: “I was a bit browbeaten into buying it, but I also realised that if I didn’t there wouldn’t be a single pub within walking distance of our home.

“Buying it was the only way to ensure there would be. I don’t take any money out of it. I take the view that it’s like owning a nice painting or sculpture – you own it for self-gratification.”

Phil described the pub as “pretty cut off”, but said this is “part of its charm”. He paid £175 per night for a “mid level room” in July, which he found “charming”.

He also noted that breakfast is included, which helps “take the edge off” the cost.

After exploring Swallowcliffe, including the fields, he concluded there’s “really not much to it” beyond “the pub, the church and 174 residents”.

However, the highlight of the pub, which truly impressed him, was the cuisine. According to Phil, patrons started arriving in the evening, but it “didn’t really get busy like Clarkson’s Pub”.

Joined by fellow content creator Ann Russell, she highlighted James’ own gin, launched in 2021 with the idea to blend the flavours of Parsnip and Asian spices. She described it as “rather nice”.

Then Phil got to the “good bit” – the food. He elaborated: “The highest praise I can give it is, Ann lives just up the road [and] she’s been here four times, and anyone who knows her knows she doesn’t suffer bulls**t”.

Having ordered bread, cured trout, souffle, Sirloin steak, a pint of beer, Panna Cotta and Semifreddo, the £104.64 bill felt like “more than a fair exchange”, according to Phil. The quality of the breakfast food also left a positive impression on the content creator.

Phil wrapped up his thoughts by stating: “Don’t come here for a week on holiday or honeymoon but do stop in for a night definitely, if you’re on your way to the West Country or milling around the nearby Stonehenge. James did a great thing securing a community pub and they repaid him by making it really very good.”

BBC show Pebble Mill at One was an iconic magazine programme that ran throughout the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s – and here’s what happened to the original faces of the daytime series

They were the familiar faces that lit up Britain’s afternoons – the hosts, producers and personalities behind Pebble Mill at One, the BBC’s beloved daytime magazine programme that ran from 1972 to 1986. Whether they were interviewing celebrities, dispensing gardening advice or covering human interest stories from the famous foyer of the Birmingham studio, the Pebble Mill team became a fixture of the nation’s lunchtime telly.

But what happened to the show’s stars when the cameras stopped rolling?

From telly legends who went on to headline primetime shows, to behind-the-scenes figures who subtly influenced British broadcasting, many continued to leave their mark across radio, film and theatre. Others quietly stepped out of the spotlight – while some faced scandals that shook their public persona.

Here, we reminisce about the highs, lows and unexpected twists in the lives of Pebble Mill’s most recognisable faces. From gardening guru Marian Foster and broadcasting legend Alan Titchmarsh to the late Donny MacLeod and troubled DJ Dave Lee Travis, here’s what unfolded for the faces who once dominated daytime TV.

Dave Lee Travis

Dave Lee Travis was best known as the host of The Golden Oldie Picture Show and a DJ on BBC Radio 1. However, his career was later marred by legal issues.

In 2014, he was found guilty of indecently assaulting a woman working on The Mrs Merton Show in 1995 and was handed a three-month suspended sentence.

Though acquitted of several other accusations, the conviction resulted in the presenter’s episodes of Top of the Pops being no longer repeated by the BBC. Travis expressed being “mortified” and “really disappointed” by the verdict.

Despite the scandal, the now 80-year-old made a comeback to broadcasting. Throughout the years, Travis has presented programmes on various UK radio stations, including periods at Classic Gold, BBC Three Counties Radio, and United DJs Radio.

In 2025, he hosts a Sunday morning programme on Heritage Chart Radio.

Currently residing in Buckinghamshire with his Swedish wife Marianne, whom he wed in 1971, Travis enjoys photography and vintage automobiles.

Jock Gallagher

Gallagher began his BBC career in 1966 as a news producer and swiftly climbed the ladder, ultimately leading the Pebble Mill at One.

His influence extended beyond the programme’s triumph to nurturing celebrated BBC radio productions including The Archers, alongside programmes such as From the Grassroots and Offshore Britons.

Following decades of broadcasting service, Gallagher stepped down from the BBC in 2014.

He died in May 2025 aged 87 at Worcester Hospital. Former colleagues and admirers paid tribute, with one remembering: “I remember having a conversation with Jock in the late 1980s when I was trying to become a researcher, and fancied working on Radio 4 series.”

Donny MacLeod

Donny was a beloved figure on television, known for his warmth, professionalism, and innovative approach, becoming a staple in homes as the leading presenter of his show and shaping daytime TV for countless viewers.

He was one of the original faces of Pebble Mill at One, hosting the show from its beginnings in 1972 until his sudden death in 1984.

His career was studded with standout moments, including major BBC specials like MacLeod’s Soviet Union and MacLeod’s America, and memorable interviews with prominent figures such as Edward Heath, Les Dawson, Terry Wogan, Dame Edna Everage, and Morecambe and Wise.

Touching tributes have continued to honour Donny’s legacy, with one colleague fondly remembering: “He was kind and ever prepared to lend this novice a helping hand… For 11 years Donny was Pebble Mill at One.”

Passing away at the young age of 52 from a heart attack, Donny is still deeply missed as a trailblazer in British daytime broadcasting.

David Attwood

Starting his career as an assistant floor manager, David Attwood climbed the ladder, contributing to series like Out of Town Boys (1978), Keep Smiling (1979), and the BAFTA-winning Boys from the Black Stuff (1982).

After completing the BBC Directors course in 1984, he quickly made a name for himself as a director.

Attwood’s portfolio includes directing All Together Now, Airbase, and the intense thriller Killing Time.

He later pursued a freelance career, directing critically acclaimed projects such as Wild West, Fidel, and Stuart: A Life Backwards, which starred Tom Hardy.

David sadly died on 21 March 2024 after battling illness.

Remembered by peers as a talented and considerate director, David left an indelible mark on British television drama over three decades.

Marian Foster

A multifaceted broadcaster, Marian Foster was celebrated for her engaging on-screen personality and a deep-rooted passion for horticulture, which became her signature.

She broke new ground as one of the original presenters on Top Gear and went on to host gardening segments for BBC Look North after her time at Pebble Mill.

Foster boasts an extensive career in radio, having presented shows on BBC Radio 2, Woman’s Hour on Radio 4, and currently hosts Garden Mania every Sunday on BBC Radio Newcastle and Radio Tees.

A familiar face at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, she has imparted her horticultural wisdom to audiences for more than three decades.

Her diverse work includes documenting the impact of Live Aid in Ethiopia and even sharing the stage with The Who for a rendition of Tommy.

In recent times, she has continued her role as a judge for Northumbria in Bloom, been featured by Radio Times, and remains an endearing presence in the North East.

Alan Titchmarsh

Alan Titchmarsh rose to fame as the beloved presenter of Ground Force and later captivated viewers on ITV’s Love Your Garden, affirming his status as one of the nation’s favourite gardeners.

His natural charm extended beyond the garden, leading him to host various programmes including The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Popstar to Operastar, and Secrets of the National Trust.

In 2024, he made waves when North Korean TV censored his jeans, prompting Titchmarsh to quip that it gave him “a bit of street cred”.

The 76 year old father of two is a prolific author, having penned over 70 books, including best-selling novels, gardening guides, and memoirs.

He currently presents a Saturday afternoon programme on Classic FM and continues to write regularly for the press. Now in his mid-70s, he divides his time between his farmhouse in Hampshire and his residence on the Isle of Wight.

Titchmarsh was awarded an MBE in the 2000 New Year Honours for his contributions to horticulture and broadcasting, and was later promoted to CBE in the 2025 New Year Honours for his services to horticulture and charity.

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Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff has been tipped in some quarters as the next England head coach, but the man himself insists Brendon McCullum is the best man for the job and he has no interest in replacing the Kiwi

Andrew Flintoff insists he has no interest in succeeding Brendon McCullum as England head coach. Flintoff is overseeing the fortunes of England Lions and Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, having returned to cricket following his Top Gear crash that left him with severe facial and rib injuries.

He has been linked with the top England post, possibly if McCullum opts against extending his contract with the national side that covers all three formats and runs up to and including the 2027 World Cup. But Flintoff rejected the notion, instead choosing to highlight how big a fan of McCullum he is, likening the New Zealander’s influence to Sir Gareth Southgate with the England football team from 2016-24.

Asked about the prospect of taking over from McCullum, the 2005 Ashes hero told the Stick to Cricket podcast: “It’s not something I’m looking at, Baz McCullum is incredible – the best England coach.

“He’s unbelievable and the culture he’s created is incredible. It’s similar to what Gareth Southgate did with the football lads; they are not just good players but great lads as well.

“I’m enjoying working under Keysy (England managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key), it’s no secret he’s one of my best mates and he’s helped me so much in other things. With Baz, we’ve got a great relationship and the utmost respect.”

READ MORE: Freddie Flintoff ‘so proud’ as refugee star of hit BBC show makes cricket debutREAD MORE: Freddie Flintoff reveals how cricket instincts saved his life in horror Top Gear crash

Flintoff, a former England captain, initially joined then white-ball head coach Matthew Mott’s backroom team on an ad-hoc basis in September 2023 although he did not travel to that year’s World Cup in India.

He was, however, involved afterwards and part of England’s coaching staff at last year’s T20 World Cup, which following a semi-final exit led to Australian Mott’s sacking.

Flintoff last year lifted the Superchargers to within a whisker of the knockout stages in his first season, after they had finished bottom of the standings the year before, while he presided over a tour to Australia last winter with the Lions, who have recently drawn two unofficial Tests against India A.

The 47-year-old former all-rounder added: “Honestly, at the moment, I feel as though I’m in the perfect place working with the Lions. I don’t see this as a stepping stone to anything else, I’m invested in this and get a chance to work with these lads.

“I’m not looking at the franchise world or anything else, although I do the Northern Superchargers which came around last year and I enjoy working with (Superchargers captain) Harry Brook on that.

“I’ve been guilty of, in the TV world and in retirement, of always looking for the next thing, chasing things.

“I’m actually really happy, working with great lads and great staff around me. I think ‘I’ve got a job to do here’ and it’s not like ‘what’s next?’.”

Glamorous farmhand Harriet Cowan has said goodbye to Jeremy Clarkson and the Diddly Squat farm after stepping in to provide much-needed cover – but she quickly became a fan favourite

New farmhand Harriet Cowan, 24, has said her goodbyes to the Diddly Squat farm after stepping in to provide some help to Jeremy Clarkson in series four – and a little dash of glamour.

The TikTok star was brought in as cover for manager Kaleb Cooper, 26, whilst he went on tour with his one-man show across the country, but on his return to the Chipping Norton farm, Harriet returned to her normal day-to-day life. In the sweet moment, she said goodbye to Jeremy Clarkson, the former Top Gear presenter, and said she had been a lifesaver.

“You saved my life. So, if we get stuck again, can we give you a call?” He asked the trained nurse. However, as it stands, there are “no plans” that she will appear again in this series of Clarkson’s Farm, or any potential future ones – sources close to the show have previously revealed.

Whilst Harriet has left the show for now, the social media star quickly became a fan favourite – and boasts over 448,700 followers on her TikTok account and 159,000 on Instagram – with many calling for her to be brought back to the show.

Harriet comes from a farming family and grew up on her grandad’s livestock farm, which her dad has now taken over. Most of the content centres around life in agriculture and her unbelievably sweet brown collie dog, Sky. The Mirror takes a look at just what Harriet gets up to off-screen.

Girls’ holiday and nights out

Since finishing her time on Clarkson’s Farm, Harriet has jetted off with her friends to Spain to enjoy a break in the sunshine. She ditched the wellies, grabbed a bucket hat and a blue bikini, and spent some much-needed time away from the farm relaxing poolside – and shared a few snaps from her time away.

Harriet was seen getting dolled up for a night out with the girls and shared a picture of her hard at work blowing up a pink lido so they could lounge in the pool. She’s also reported to have tried on a few accessories at a local store.

Whilst Harriet spends a lot of her time hard at work on the farm and nursing – as well as reportedly working as an advocate for the mental health of farmers – she also likes to let her hair down, and often posts snaps on her socials of glamorous nights out with her pals and partner James Booth.

Boyfriend James

Harriet has been with her boyfriend James – who is also reported to be a third-generation farmer – for “some time,” according to one of her step sisters. The Clarkson’s Farm star regularly posts pictures and sweet videos with her partner, who she seems to have met at the Young Farmers Club (YFC), writing over one video post of the couple: “The ‘butterfly effect’ is crazy because if I didn’t join young farmers we’d of never of met.”

The pair obviously have a lot in common with their farming backgrounds, with Harriet writing in one joking post last year: “Your bf brings you presents to unwrap … Mine brings me bales to unwrap. We’re not the same.”

She joked in another post about lambing season, which saw her holding a seriously cute lamb “I’ve been covered head to toe in bodily fluids. But at the end of it all I expect my bf to take the bins out cause it’s gross”.

Nursing career

Whilst Harriet seems to be pretty busy helping out with the cows and sheep on the farm – she also has a full-time job as a nurse. She graduated from the University of Derby in 2023 and is now fully qualified, working for the NHS, so needless to say she has a pretty packed schedule.

In one post she joked about her packed calendar and the financial difficulties that can come with farming, writing over one video on her TikTok: “Thinking I could quit my job and farm full time… but then I remember I have a mortgage to pay.” She captioned the lighthearted post, “Suppose I would miss nursing a bit too”.

Family feud

Unfortunately, Harriet seems to be embroiled in some family tensions – with her stepsister speaking out about her publicly since her rise to fame on Clarkson’s Farm. Elina Clifford, a professional chiropodist, opened up about her feelings on her estranged step-sister Harriet, and she certainly didn’t hold back when it came to diving into the subject.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Elina dubbed her step-sister “fake” and “self-absorbed”, adding, “She loves to be the centre of attention, often at others’ expense”.

She also issued a blunt warning to Clarkson’s Farm: “She is fake in the way she behaves, so Jeremy Clarkson, beware!”. According to The Express, Elina and her elder sister Maddie – a teacher – blame the origins of the “family feud” on Harriet’s behaviour towards their mother Vicky, who is in a relationship with Harriet’s dad Eddy.

The sisters claim that Harriet isn’t nice to their mother, which has caused serious tension. “We don’t have a good relationship with her. Our mum is with her dad now, and there was a lot of drama a couple of years ago. There is a family feud, and Harriet was not being very nice to mum, and it was very upsetting,” said Maddie.

The siblings went as far as to say that Harriet was only taking part in Clarkson’s Farm in an attempt to grow her already massive social media following – calling it “sad and desperate” and claiming the TV star is “obsessed with herself”.

Clarkson’s Farm is now streaming on Prime Video.

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