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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Jamie Roberts & Sarah Barrett

Top Gear axe confirmed as glum-faced Paddy McGuinness breaks silence

British presenter Paddy McGuinness has been seen out and about for the first time since news that the upcoming series of Top Gear has been axed.

The comedian, 49, shared hosting duties with fellow hosts cricketer Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris.

It was announced on Thursday that the show was being axed after Freddie Flintoff’s awful crash during filming in December 2022.

Read More: Disturbing video shows Irish child smoking a cigarette during boozy sing-song

Paddy was spotted leaving Heart Breakfast Radio Studios looking ‘glum’ and down in the dumps, MIrror UK reports.

He appeared as a guest on the Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, but appeared to dodge the topic of Top Gear.

He chose alternatively to discuss his relationship with Comedian Peter Kay.

It comes following BBC Studios announcement it wasn't continuing with Top Gear filming and apologised to Freddie for the crash on set, saying it "will continue to support" him "with his recovery", Mirror UK reports.

It also added: "Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34 of Top Gear at this time.

Freddie Flintoff (BBC)

"We understand this will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we’ll make a judgement about how best to continue later this year.

"This has also impacted the production team, who we continue to support. Finally there will be a health and safety review of the show, in line with our procedures."

A source close to Freddie said to The Times: "He is a daredevil, that's what he does, and he doesn't feel like he is able to continue to play that role on the show."

Freddie was reportedly driving an open-topped three-wheel Morgan Super 3 sports car when the horrific incident occurred.

Chris Harris, Freddie Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness hosting Top Gear (BBC/Vincent Dolman)

According to the Morgan Motor Company website, the £43,000 British hand-made car does not include air bags, but it does still meet UK safety standards.

The vehicle is registered as a "motorised tricycle".

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