Top Gear stars Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris are coming back to the Beeb for a new show following Freddie Flintoff's horror crash.
In shocking scenes, the former cricketer, 46, suffered severe facial injuries and broken ribs after an horrific accident at the BBC One show's test track in Surrey in December 2022. After the crash, Top Gear was officially shelved last year for the ‘foreseeable future’, however, Paddy and Chris are now taking to the road again.
The duo have reunited again for a brand new road trip show, which has a working title of Paddy and Chris: Road Trippin. The BBC series will explore how people in Europe approach life as they get older as the Bolton-born comic, 50, and car journalist, 49, try to uncover the "secrets to living a long and full life".
Speaking about working with his Top Gear co-star again, Paddy said in a statement: "I’m very much looking forward to getting back on the road with Chris Harris. Not so much looking forward to sharing a confined space with him. He doesn’t believe in deodorant," he quipped. Paddy added: "On the plus side he’ll give me something to laugh at along the way. Bring it on!"
Chris added: "Paddy’s idea of long-haul travel is driving from Bolton to Blackpool, so this European road-trip should be a real eye-opener for both of us. When we’re finished debating the merits of literally everything we encounter, viewers will hopefully take something rewarding away from our deep-dive into the secrets of human longevity – but I’m just hoping my interest in the subject doesn’t dwindle as each mile goes by in Paddy’s company!"
When contacted by the Mirror, the BBC said of the new series: "Coming to BBC One and iPlayer, the three-part series, made by BBC Studios Factual Entertainment Productions, will see self-proclaimed 'well and truly middle aged' Paddy and ‘'soon to be fifty’' Chris go on a mission to explore the secrets to living a long and full life. The two friends will be meeting some of the healthiest, happiest, not to mention ‘well -preserved’ and long-lived people alive. Along the way, they will be getting under the skin of each country they visit as well as doing plenty of soul searching.
"The pair will head to Sweden, Greece and Switzerland. Facing classic midlife tropes of their own, Paddy and Chris will take a deep dive to discover some of the most brilliant mid-life secrets on the planet."
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning said: “Paddy and Chris are packing their bags and heading off to Europe in this exciting new adventure. The pair will explore different countries, cultures, and people and will also be trying to discover the secrets to living a long and fulfilling life. They will be trying their very best to embrace these new experiences all whilst of course having a good laugh along the way too, bon voyage chaps!.”
Kat Lennox, BBC Studios Creative Director Factual Entertainment added: “Paddy and Chris’ on screen chemistry has always been a favourite amongst audiences and we’re so excited to be bringing more of an insight into their friendship through this adventure of a lifetime. With plenty of bants along the way, of course, it’s certainly going to be entertaining!”
It was previously claimed that the new show is not a continuation of Top Gear, with a source telling The Sun: "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."
After Freddie's crash, which left him visibly scarred, filming for Top Gear’s 34th series was halted indefinitely, and the BBC apologised to the former cricketer.
Speaking in its most recent statement, the corporation said it “remains 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.” It added: “We will have more to say in the near future on this.”
But for now, producing more Top Gear is not on the cards as the broadcaster continued: “We know resting the show will be disappointing news for fans, but it is the right thing to do." It added: “All other Top Gear activity remains unaffected by this hiatus, including international formats, digital, magazines and licensing."
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