Perry McCarthy believes the show’s safety protocols could be improved following Flintoff’s crash

Perry McCarthy, the original Stig from Top Gear, has voiced his frustration over the BBC’s decision to pause the popular motoring show, following the serious injury of host Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff during filming in December 2022.

On Tuesday, the BBC confirmed that Top Gear would not return for the “foreseeable future” after Flintoff’s accident, with production halted to ensure proper safety reviews are carried out. The corporation acknowledged that while the decision would disappoint fans, it was the right course of action.

McCarthy, who became famous for his role as the elusive Stig on the show, shared his disappointment with the news, saying, “It’s frustrating on many levels, and frankly, I think it’s unacceptable.” He suggested that the programme could adapt to include better on-site monitoring to prevent future incidents, adding that the current safety measures could be improved.

In response to the crash, a health and safety review was carried out on previous Top Gear series, though it did not cover Flintoff’s specific accident. The review found that BBC Studios had followed the required safety protocols and industry best practices. However, it acknowledged that “important learnings” had been identified and that these would be rigorously applied to future productions of the show.

The BBC also reassured fans that while the Top Gear UK series is on hold, other activities related to the franchise, such as international formats, digital content, and licensing, would continue unaffected.

In its statement, the BBC noted the complex nature of Top Gear’s production, which combines tight filming schedules with high editorial ambitions, and reiterated its commitment to improving safety practices moving forward.