24 March 2023 , 11:18
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Paddy McGuinness has been spotted for the first time following the news BBC's hit show Top Gear won't continue recording its latest series.
The comedian, 49, held presenting duties on the long-running show alongside former cricketer Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris.
However, it was announced on Thursday evening that the show was being axed after Freddie's horror crash during filming last December.
And on Friday he was seen looking glum-faced as he left Heart Breakfast Radio Studios. He was spotted wearing blue jeans and a navy jacket, while holding a bulkier padded coat and bag.
He had joined Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden on their morning show, but appeared to steer clear of any Top Gear talk.
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Instead, he spoke of his relationship with Peter Kay, who he says gave him a private 'full routine' of his current tour show.
It comes after BBC Studios yesterday announced it wasn't continuing with the Top Gear filming and apologised to Freddie for the crash on set, saying it "will continue to support" him "with his recovery".
It also added: "Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34 of Top Gear at this time.
Paddy McGuinness leaves Heart Breakfast Radio Studio (GC Images)
Paddy has been a part of Top Gear since 2019 (Mike Marsland/WireImage)"We understand this will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we’ll make a judgment 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 admitted the star had been "emotionally and physically affected by the crash".
Speaking to The Times, the source added: "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."
Chris Harris, Freddie Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness hosting Top Gear (BBC/Vincent Dolman)Freddie is said to have been driving an open-topped three-wheel Morgan Super 3 sports car when the terrifying incident happened.
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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