Piers Morgan has voiced his support for Freddie Flintoff for making a rare public appearance following his horrific accident last year.
The ex-cricketer – real name Andrew Flintoff, 45 – was airlifted to hospital last December after he was involved in an accident while filming Top Gear in Surrey.
The former England captain suffered facial injuries, and series 34 was halted after the crash.
Ever since, the presenter has kept a low profile. But he appeared yesterday (September 8) at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens to watch England’s opening one-day international against New Zealand.
Now, the GB News presenter has commended the sportsman for his appearance, as he took to X, formerly Twitter, and wrote: ‘Brilliant to see Freddie @flintoff11 back with the England team today, after that horrendous Top Gear car smash.’
Fans also flooded social media with support for Freddie, as one person wrote a touching comment: ‘I’m glad he felt comfortable to be out and helping with the team. It took me months after my head surgery to want to go out in public and I could cover my scars with a hat. I hope his recovery continues to go well.’
As Freddie sat on the balcony in his England coaching kit, it is believed this is the first time he’s been photographed since the accident.
As a close friend of England managing director Rob Key, Freddie is set to continue supporting the squad for the remainder of the series in a role that is said to be unpaid.
England captain Jos Buttler said it was ‘great’ to have Freddie around and he had ‘settled in really well’.
He said: ‘So he’s been starting to do some stuff in cricket.
‘It’s just great for him to be around, he’s obviously an England legend and it’s just nice to have him around the group.
‘He’s not been brought in with any specific role, just to be around and observe.
‘A few of the lads can pick his brains a little bit and he’s settled in really well. It’s great to have him with us. Just for this series.’
Freddie’s international career ended in 2009 after he played a huge part in taking England to an Ashes series victory over Australia.
He went on to launch a career in broadcasting, including featuring on Sky’s A League Of Their Own and BBC’s Top Gear.
Of the horror crash, the BBC released a statement last year that read: ‘We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery. Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34 of Top Gear at this time.
‘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.’
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