Top Gear’s future is uncertain following news that the programme’s leader has left the show months after Freddie Flintoff’s tragedy.
Clare Pizey, the former executive producer, has stepped down from her job as editorial director, which she assumed in March 2022.
‘Top Gear’s Editorial Director Clare Pizey is departing BBC Studios after 7 years,’ a spokeswoman informed Metro.co.uk. Clare overhauled and reenergized the driving entertainment programme with the additions of Paddy, Freddie, and Chris, and she managed Top Gear’s very successful transfer to BBC One in 2020 with co-Executive Producer Alex Renton.
Clare also Executive Produced Children in Need, Sport Relief, and Top Gear spin-off format The Getaway Car while at BBC Studios. We wish her all the best on her upcoming adventure.’
Her departure comes after former cricketer Freddie, 45, was reportedly taken to hospital last year after being involved in an accident while filming the BBC programme.
Following the incident at the test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey in December, he was said to have had to wait for over an hour with severe face injuries.
It has been claimed that he was not wearing a helmet at the time, and the BBC has initiated an investigation into what transpired while the series’ future remains uncertain.
A spokesperson for the BBC said: ‘In March we concluded our investigation into the accident at the Top Gear Test Track in Surrey, which regrettably injured presenter Freddie Flintoff.
‘We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and continue to support him with his recovery. A health and safety review of the show is underway, in line with our procedures.’
Charlotte Moore, chief content officer, subsequently stated that the focus is on his recuperation rather than hurrying to get the show back on the air.
‘My priority at the moment is supporting Freddie through his recovery so I think it would be really inappropriate for us to resume filming now,’ she said at a Broadcasting Press Guild event last month.
‘I think when we get to the point where he feels ready … and we’ll get to thinking about getting him back.’
She added: ‘I think we’ve got to talk about what Freddie wants to do. When someone’s in recovery, I don’t think we would push that … I think that would be really inappropriate, I wouldn’t be happy.’
Top Gear is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
