Paddy McGuinness has spoken out following the BBC's announcement it would be resting Top Gear for the "foreseeable future" after a near-fatal crash involving Andrew Flintoff. 

Production of the BBC motoring show has been on hold since former England cricket captain Flintoff, 45, was severely injured in an accident at the Top Gear Test Track - the Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey in December 2022.

The former England cricket captain reportedly flipped a Morgan Super 3 vehicle on the first bend at the Top Gear Test Track during filming for the show while not wearing a helmet.

Chelmsford Weekly News: Andrew Flintoff has recently returned to the public view in a coaching role with the England cricket team.Andrew Flintoff has recently returned to the public view in a coaching role with the England cricket team. (Image: PA)

The vehicle was only travelling at 22mph but was open-top, meaning when it flipped Flintoff's face scraped along the tarmac, reported the Mail on Sunday.

The presenter is said to have sustained broken ribs and serious facial injuries in the incident with Flintoff’s son Corey, revealing at the time, said his father was “lucky to be alive” describing it as a “pretty nasty crash”.

There were reports Flintoff's crash was so bad Top Gear staff who witnessed it had to be signed off work indefinitely as they struggled to come to terms with an incident described as "something you would truly want to unsee". 

Paddy McGuinness speaks out after BBC reveal Top Gear will be rested for 'foreseeable future'

On Tuesday, after months of speculation about the future of the show, the BBC revealed Top Gear would be rested for the "foreseeable future".

McGuiness, Flintoff and Chris Harris, hosted Top Gear from 2019.

Former host James May - who presented the show with Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond until 2015 - revealed on Wednesday (November 22) he thought the show needed a "rethink" but said: "I'd be really surprised if it is gone forever."

Chelmsford Weekly News: See what Paddy McGuinness had to say following the news the BBC has rested Top Gear for the foreseeable future.See what Paddy McGuinness had to say following the news the BBC has rested Top Gear for the foreseeable future. (Image: BBC/Lee Brimble)

Now McGuinness has broken his silence following the news regarding Top Gear's future.

Taking to Instagram, he thanked everyone for their support during the trio's time on the show.

McGuinness, on his Instagram account, said: "We were always going to be b****nds but we were your b*****ds. Thanks for all the love over the years folks, it was very much appreciated. #TopGear."