‘We Beat Anxiety'

Top Gear presenters Freddie Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness on overcoming their mental health struggles

- Sam Whitworth

As the new hosts of motor show Top Gear, it’s safe to say that Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff are probably into fast cars and laddish banter.

But behind their tough exteriors, both men have battled mental health issues.

Speaking about his new role, former cricketer Freddie, 41, explains how he’s relishing the opportunity to travel the world and ‘be himself’ on screen, rather than having to fit ‘someone else’s idea of what I’m supposed to be’.

Inner turmoil

‘As a professional sportsman, you never give anything away,’ he says. ‘You can’t really be yourself, even with your teammates. The nice thing about this gig is I get on well with the others.’