Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff says ‘Top Gear’ is his dream TV role.
The retired cricketer and ‘League of Their Own’ star is set to present the next series of BBC’s motoring show with Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness, and he admitted it still doesn’t quite feel real.
Appearing on ITV’s ‘Loose Women’ on Friday (02.11.18), he said: "It really is [amazing]. No, I still can’t [believe it]. We did the photographs, and then you’re stood there thinking, ‘We’re gonna be hosting ‘Top Gear’!
"You know, my dream job was to play cricket for Lancashire and England, and I did that, and I didn’t think after that anything would come close.
"But if I got the chance to pick one job in telly, it was be ‘Top Gear’. I love cars, I love travelling. Doing it with Paddy too is gonna be brilliant, and Chris Harris. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, we start in the New Year."
Despite the change in presenters coming after viewers began to react well to Matt LeBlanc – and just considering the popularity of former hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May – Freddie, 40, insisted he isn’t feeling the pressure.
He added: "I’m quite relaxed at the minute […] I’ll try my best. I’ll have a go at things… What’s the worst that can happen?
"I’m not saving lives, I’m doing a bit of TV, I’m enjoying myself and I go home after."
Matt, 51, is set to quit the show after the next series, while Chris Harris will remain with the programme and Rory Reid will be moved to the spin-off show ‘Extra Gear’.
BBC bosses reportedly hope that by adding Paddy and Freddie to the presenting team, they’ll be able to "bring a new energy" to the show.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "This news will have car manufacturers and the BBC’s insurance department on high alert.
"The BBC’s top bosses and everyone else involved in the casting were bowled over by Paddy and Freddie – they are utterly infectious and will bring a new energy and competitive spirit to the show."
Freddie Flintoff on dream Top Gear role
