TOP Gear star Chris Harris has told how he feared Freddie Flintoff had died after the car crash that led to the show being axed.
And the former presenter claimed he had already warned BBC bosses numerous safety failings on the hit programme could prove fatal, but said they did not take him seriously.
Chris, 49, also told how England cricket legend Freddie had no crash helmet on and was not briefed properly about driving the Morgan three-wheeler he flipped.
And he claimed there were other "dangerous" examples where safety was compromised on the show.
Speaking for the first time about Freddie's accident at Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey, in December 2022, experienced driver Chris said: "I was there, I was the only presenter with Fred that day. I remember the radio message.
"I heard someone say there has been a real accident. The car's upside down. So I ran to the window, looked out and he wasn't moving. So I thought he was dead. I assumed he was, then he moved.
"Fred, he's a big guy, six foot five, six foot six, strong. And if he wasn't so strong, he would have just snapped his neck, he'd be dead.
"He wasn't wearing a crash helmet.
And if you do that, even at 25, 30 miles an hour, the injuries that you sustain are profound."
Speaking about his safety warnings to Top Gear chiefs, Chris - who appeared alongside Freddie, 46, and Paddy McGuinness, 51 added: "What was never spoken about was that three months before the accident, I'd gone to the BBC and said, unless you change something, someone's going to die on this show.
"I told them of my concerns from what I'd seen as the most experienced driver on the show.
"I said if we carry on at the very least we'll have a serious injury, at the very worst a fatality.
Denne historien er fra September 07, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 07, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
SLOT'S A PARTY POOPER
Kop boss will put his 46th birthday on hold and says: 'For the first time it's not important. This is a big game for me'
POSTE'S PRESSURE POINT
Big Ange faces make-or-break week... but the good news for Spurs fans is: He ALWAYS wins a trophy in his second season
ERLING HAALAND YOU'RE HAVING A LAUGH
Jorginho admits Gunners stars just smile at City striker's scoring feats
CHRIS: I'M NOT OVER THE HILL
Prop star insists retirement is out of the question as he looks for a new club & eyes last hurrah with England
FURY V AJ...FORGET IT
Dubois vows to KO Hearn superfight with blockbusting Wembley win over Joshua
I was a broken man after divorce.. Celeb SAS helped me heal and find new love
Ex-boxer Anthony is relishing fatherhood
LETBY 'WANTED TO SAVOUR MY SON'S DEATH'
THE parents of a baby murdered by Lucy Letby told how the evil nurse tried to \"savour their son's dying moments for herself\".
Victoria's secret? It's borrowed
And PM says public shouldn't pay
A quiet legend..
Sons' tribute to pop star who shunned solo fame
I think I am related to Jack the Ripper
Towie Gemma uncovers link to Victorian murder.riddle