REVEALED: Freddie Flintoff began his return from Top Gear’s horror car crash by watching the Ashes series ‘incognito’ in the back offices as a guest of England managing director Rob Key

Freddie Flintoff watched this summer’s Ashes series “incognito” in the back office as a guest of England manager Rob Key, according to Piers Morgan, who says he is “delighted” to see his “good friend” return to public life.

Flintoff suffered a near-fatal car accident last December while filming an episode of BBC Car series Top Gear at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey and was flown to hospital after breaking ribs and facial injuries.

The 45-year-old was making his first appearance since the accident, when he returned to work for the England cricket team with noticeable cuts to his nose and mouth.

TalkTV presenter Morgan has now given more insight into Flintoff’s recovery process and gradual return to the public eye, revealing he had been secretly watching England’s Ashes series against Australia thanks to Key’s help.

I’ll keep talking talksportMorgan said: “I had heard from various people that he appeared during the Ashes series as a guest of Rob Key, who now runs England cricket and is one of his best friends, but they were completely incognito and watching the whole thing.” in back offices on television. A very small number of people visited him.

According to Piers Morgan, Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff watched this summer’s Ashes series “incognito” in the back office as he recovered from a horrific car accident

Morgan (R) revealed how his “good friend” Flintoff was gradually getting used to public life again

“I felt encouraged, but nine months after the accident he still has a lot of scarring on his face and signs of injury.”

“I know he had a lot of mental health issues because of it, as you would expect because it was a terrible accident that almost killed him.”

Morgan, who hosted Flintoff on his TV show Life Stories in 2019, said the Top Gear presenter recently sent him a message and believes he is now in a “better place” despite his turbulent year.

“Freddie is gently bringing himself back into the game and it’s great to see him laughing, joking and interacting with the public again.” “I think he needs this,” he added.

“I have known him for a long time and he is a good friend of mine. We were very worried about him because the reports about how bad the accident was said it was a matter of life and death and he was lucky to survive.”

Flintoff secretly watched the series as a guest of English managing director Rob Key (r.).

Flintoff was seen for the first time since the accident last week as he returned to work with the England cricket team at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton

“I’m so happy for him and I even got a message from him yesterday.” He hasn’t really interacted with anyone while he’s been trying to get back on track. He’s doing better now and I’m really happy about that.”

Father-of-four Flintoff, one of English football’s great all-rounders and hero of the 2005 Ashes triumph, quit his job at Top Gear after the accident and the BBC has canceled the latest series of the show – with the future remaining in doubt.

Although it is unclear whether Flintoff will ever return to television screens, he returned to the senior England team last Friday by joining the coaching staff as a mentor at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff for the one-day international series against New Zealand.

Flintoff is one of English football’s great all-rounders and was an iconic symbol of the famous 2005 Ashes-winning side.

In total he played in 79 Tests and 141 one-day internationals before retiring following England’s victory in the 2009 Ashes.

Flintoff left Top Gear after the near-fatal accident and several employees who witnessed the accident were placed on indefinite sick leave due to post-traumatic stress disorder

Flintoff’s family (pictured with his wife Rachael and three of their four children) reportedly begged him to stay off the set while he recovered from his injuries

Flintoff is still recovering from injuries sustained in the horrific accident that almost killed him nine months ago – which has since raised concerns about whether the correct health and safety checks were in place.

His three-wheeled open car, which had no airbags, overturned while filming the hit BBC motoring show on December 13.

Flintoff then had to wait an “agonizing” 45 minutes for an ambulance – the BBC later apologized to him.

He has since left Top Gear and several employees who witnessed the accident have been placed on indefinite sick leave due to post-traumatic stress disorder.

The latest news of his recovery comes after his former England teammate Steve Harmison revealed he had only seen him six weeks ago, when Flintoff was still covering his face due to the severity of the injuries.

“It was great to see him again,” he said.

Steve Harmison (l), who played with Flintoff (r) for seven years, revealed his ex-teammate was still covering his face when they met just six weeks ago

“It was tough, you’ve seen the pictures of him with a smile on his face, but I saw him about six weeks ago when my son Charlie and his son Rocky were playing against each other and it was great to see him.”

“Obviously I’ve lived with Andrew for the best part of 15 years and we’ve all gone through our careers together, so it was fantastic to see our two sons playing against each other, Northumberland against Lancashire.”

“I saw him back then, but back then he was covering his face as he walked around – believe it or not, he was training a guide dog and I’m sure he’s better now than he was before because he stumbled around three o’clock is.” Time on his way across the field!

“He was in great form but to see him in the England group, the main team, was fantastic. “This England team is a good bunch and not only great cricketers but also great ambassadors.

“Freddie was always brilliant in the dressing room and that’s why having Andrew in the dressing room with them, making him comfortable and allowing him to get his feet under the table because they’re in for a show.”