What's happened
Former Top Gear presenter Chris Harris revealed he warned BBC about safety issues before Freddie Flintoff's serious crash in December 2022. Harris expressed concerns over the lack of experience among presenters and inadequate safety measures, leading to the show's hiatus. The BBC acknowledged the need for improved safety protocols following an independent investigation.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Chris Harris's revelations on Joe Rogan's podcast have drawn attention to the safety culture at the BBC. According to Greg Evans from The Independent, Harris stated, "Unless you change something, someone's going to die on this show," emphasizing the urgency of his concerns. BBC News reported that Harris felt Flintoff's lack of a crash helmet during the accident was a critical factor, stating, "If you do that, even at 25, 30 miles an hour, the injuries that you sustain are profound." This sentiment was echoed by Sky News, which noted that Harris believed the BBC did not take his warnings seriously, leading to tragic consequences. The Independent also highlighted that Harris felt the show was inherently dangerous, suggesting that the BBC must implement rigorous safety measures if Top Gear is to return.
How we got here
The incident involving Freddie Flintoff occurred during filming at Dunsfold Aerodrome, resulting in severe injuries. Following the crash, Chris Harris disclosed that he had raised safety concerns with BBC management months prior, predicting potential serious injuries or fatalities if changes were not made.
More on these topics
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The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Headquartered at Broadcasting House in Westminster, London, it is the world's oldest national broadcaster, and the largest broadcaster in the world by number of employees.
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Christopher James Harris is a British automotive journalist, racing driver and television presenter. Harris has worked as a reviewer, writer and editor for many automotive magazines, including Evo, Autocar and Jalopnik.