Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff left BBC viewers in tears as his cricket show Field of Dreams concluded on Tuesday, and many were quick to call for recognition from media bodies.
The former cricketer, 46, took a young team of cricket hopefuls from his hometown of Preston to India to embrace the culture and sport, exploring plenty of emotional journeys.
The four episodes saw former Top Gear presenter Flintoff addressing his own mental health battles as well as the struggles faced by some of the youngsters.
The car enthusiast faced a life-changing incident a couple of years ago while filming for the BBC series alongside co-stars Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris.
The father-of-two joined Top Gear in 2019, and while filming a scene at the show’s Dunsford Park Aerodrome in December 2022, the vehicle he was driving spun out of control at 130 miles per hour.
The resulting collision left him in a serious condition and he suffered extensive facial injuries, broken ribs and more.
While he recovered, Flintoff took a significant hiatus from TV, with Field of Dreams’ second series marking the first time he’d appeared on screens since the accident.
While he was guiding the team of youngsters in Field of Dreams, Flintoff also endured intense anxiety about ending his TV break while filming.
In the second episode, the sporting favourite was seen having a heart-to-heart with troubled youngster Eli. During the conversation, Flintoff admitted: “I must admit, my anxiety the first night and actually coming here has been through the roof.”
He continued: “Because I’ve not been away from home, I’ve not been in front of a camera, I’ve not done anything for a while,” he added.
“And I was in my room, not wanting to come out of it on that first morning, so you’re not on your own on that one.”
Following this week’s episode, fans were left touched and confessed they’d been left tearful following the final instalment, which saw Flintoff honouring each player in his team with a special cap to mark their shared experience.
Taking to X, one penned: “Crying over Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams again.”
“Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams is just one of the best shows on tv. I am once again crying at them all coming together to support whoever is struggling. My heart #FieldOfDreams,” another shared.
“If ‘Freddie’ Flintoff doesn’t get a BAFTA for this series there’s no justice. What he’s done for these young men is immeasurable. What he’s delivered for the viewers is absolute joy,” a third demanded.
Someone else echoed: “‘Freddie changed my life’ so said Adnan, a refugee from Afghanistan, who is an amazing credit to himself, his family and #BBC #FieldofDreams I just love this programme. Give Freddie a BAFTA and a knighthood PLEASE!”
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“I cried at some point during every episode. Well done #FreddieFlintoff for giving those young lads a sense of purpose. I hope they go on to be successful at whatever they choose to do in life. Good luck to Ben and his future in Teaching,” another posted.
“With the world seeming to be falling to s*** these days please please please watch Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams. Absolutely brilliant, uplifting content which will make you laugh and cry with joy. Just superb #FieldOfDreams,” someone else enthused. (sic)
Flintoff himself became emotional during several moments throughout the series, especially as he got to know Adnan in a previous episode.
The 18-year-old detailed how he had arrived in Preston alone at 15 as he sought asylum from Afghanistan. He is now living with a foster family but hasn’t seen or heard from his biological family in three years.
After recalling the hardships he faced, Flintoff commented: “I’m getting upset here because I heard your story.”
Holding back tears, he told the cameras: “It’s like something that no kid should endure. It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it?”
