The BBC has confirmed that Top Gear will return, almost four years after co-host Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff was seriously injured in a crash while filming. The programme had been taken off air indefinitely following the accident, so its revival marks a significant decision for one of the broadcaster’s best-known entertainment formats.

BBC entertainment director Ed Havard announced the return at the Edinburgh TV festival but declined to name presenters, despite reports linking Jimmy Carr and former England rugby player Joe Marler to the role. Flintoff suffered facial and rib injuries when his Morgan Super 3 overturned at Dunsfold aerodrome, and the BBC later reportedly settled with him for about £9m; he has said the crash left him unable to leave home for six months except for medical appointments.