BBC settles with “Freddie” Flintoff over Top Gear crash

UK Top Gear presenter Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff has reached a settlement with the BBC after he was hurt in an accident last December.

Flintoff was taken to hospital by air ambulance after a high-speed crash during filming. He was taking part in a shoot at an aerodrome in Surrey.

The Sun reported that the deal with BBC Studios was based on the ex-England cricketer missing out on two years of earnings – and worth £9m (AU$17.3m).

The payout will not be funded by the TV licence fee, as BBC Studios is a commercial arm of the broadcaster.

Flintoff’s legal team told the newspaper that the former cricketer was still recovering from “life-alteringly significant” injuries.

“BBC Studios has reached an agreement with Freddie that we believe supports his continued rehabilitation, return to work and future plans,” a statement from BBC read.

“We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery.”

The broadcaster is yet to confirm the future of the motoring show after 46 years.