Preston’s Freddie Flintoff has been picked to join the new line up on BBC’s Top Gear.

The cricketer and former Ribbleton Hall High School pupil will join Bolton’s Paddy McGuiness to co-host the motoring show in late 2019.

The duo are rumoured to have signed a deal worth £500,000 ahead of filming, which starts early next year.

The Lancashire lads will premier on the show in the following months after current host Matt Le Blanc announced he will be leaving at the end of the next series.

The announcement has met with mixed reactions on social media, with many people questioning the pair’s motoring credentials.

But in a BBC statement, former Ashes winner Flintoff said: “It’s not often you have the chance to do both of your dream jobs, but I’m now lucky enough to say I will have.

“I’ve always been passionate about cars and I’m so excited to be joining the Top Gear team.”

Flintoff made a name for himself as England captain before retiring from the game with a knee injury in 2013. He has since carved out a career as a broadcaster and presenter and has been a team captain on Sky’s A League of Their Own.

His co-host, comedian and Take Me Out presenter McGuiness said: “Getting the Top Gear gig is a real honour and I’m thrilled the BBC have given me this opportunity.

“To be hosting a show I’ve watched and loved from being a small boy is beyond exciting.”

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