ANDREW “Freddie” Flintoff has agreed a £9m settlement with the BBC over his Top Gear hit.
The Ashes cricket hero, 45, has agreed a payout for two years’ loss of earnings after suffering “life-changing” injuries in a horrific accident last December.
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Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff has settled compensation with the BBC studio after his horror accidentCredit: Getty
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Out-of-court settlement compensates Flintoff for loss of earnings due to his injuriesCredit: BBC
The deal – with Top Gear producers BBC Studios – allowed Freddie not to sue – and waived a potentially bigger payout, The Sun can reveal.
BBC Studios said it had “sincerely apologized to Freddie”.
His legal team said the father-of-four is still recovering from his “life-threatening” injuries.
Both parties are said to be “pleased” with the package and excited to continue working together in the future.
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A source said: “Fred has been left extremely traumatized and shocked by the whole episode.
“You cannot underestimate the physical and mental toll this accident has had on him.
“He could have easily sued BBC Studios – and perhaps got significantly more from them – but instead he agreed to a private settlement, with as little animosity as possible.
“By the time Freddie returns to screens next year at the earliest, he will have lost almost two years’ worth of earnings.
“Because of the surgeries he’s had, he may have to turn down another job – or not be offered one at all – which was also a factor in the final offer.
“However, Fred is still on the road to recovery and is currently solely focused on this, his England cricket coaching and being with his family. For Fred, it was never about the money.”
Freddie — seen last month suffering sports injuries to his face while helping with England’s coaching set-ups — has been interviewed twice during two investigations commissioned by the corporation.
The former cleared the BBC of negligence and the Health and Safety Executive decided it did not meet the threshold for further investigation.
However, a second external investigation is understood to be ongoing, although the results may never be made public.
Similarly, in terms of settlement, both parties are likely to sign non-disclosure agreements.
The specific details of the crash at Dunsfold Airport in Surrey – including any potential health and safety deficiencies – may never come to light.
The BBC also said it offered a due care package, including therapy.
The payment will not be funded by the license fee as BBC Studios operates as a commercial arm of the Beeb.
The Sun has revealed that the Top Gear track in Surrey is being bulldozed and the controversial show will be axed.
A BBC Studios spokesperson said: “BBC Studios has reached an agreement with Freddie which we believe supports his continued rehabilitation, return to work and future plans.
“We sincerely apologize to Freddie and will continue to support him in his recovery.”
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Top Gear was canceled after the accident and the show is not expected to return Credit: PA
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