TODAY'S TV WITH SARA WALLIS: Freddie Flintoff shares harrowing injuries that left him unable to leave house for 6 months

Daily Mirror

25-04-2025

Freddie Flintoff returns to TV today as his new Disney+ documentary Flintoff lands on the streamer - however, it's not for the faint of heart. The cricket star opens up about his horrific Top Gear crash extensively for the first time since the accident three years ago, with the film featuring graphic images of the presenter's injuries.
Meanwhile on BBC One, Beyond Paradise continues - with Strictly's Caroline Quentin making her debut as a guest star in tonight's episode. Over on Channel 4, EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy is heading from Albert Square to the shops as she hosts What's the Big Deal: Britain's Best Buys on Channel 4.
With so much telly to choose from tonight, here are the top TV picks from Emma Bullimore - who is filling in for Sara Baalla this week.
Top Pick
Flintoff, Disney+
So far, Freddie Flintoff has stayed deliberately quiet about the life-changing crash he suffered while filming Top Gear in 2022. The former England cricketer was air-lifted to hospital after the accident, and was left with scars, both physical and psychological. Struggling with anxiety and flashbacks, he didn't leave the house for six months while coming to terms with what he endured. Now back at work as head coach for the England Lions, he wants to put an end to the public speculation, by discussing the crash as part of this hotly-anticipated biographical doc, and finally revealing what took place.
While the programme will remind us of his glittering sporting career and life before his injuries, no doubt the main draw for viewers will be learning what really happened on that fateful day. Freddie has previously spoken about how difficult he found it to be in front of a camera again, as he filmed the follow up to his series Field of Dreams, introducing working class boys to cricket.
But he's putting those fears aside for this in-depth interview delving into the repercussions of the accident, which he describes as a 'reset' in his life. Freddie says he remembers 'everything about it… it's so vivid,' so be prepared for an emotional watch, as he declares that he wants to stop hiding his scars. Also featuring interviews with his friends (including James Corden, Michael Vaughan and Jack Whitehall) and wife Rachael, who reflects on how quickly life can change.
The best of the rest...
Beyond Paradise, BBC1, 8pm
Caroline Quentin guest stars in tonight's episode, about a farming family with enemies. George is busy with the harvest, and daughter Stella is hanging up traditional corn dolls to bring good luck. But they prove useless this time round, as a figure dressed as a mythical Cornman breaks in, sabotages the milk supplies and burns the hay. As the Ellises worry for their livelihood (the one time it really is worth crying over spilt milk), Humphrey embarks on his investigation.
George points the finger firmly at his neighbour (played by Caroline), but she seems to have an alibi and no inclination to commit such a crime. As Humphrey mulls it over, he and Martha face an emotional moment, taking Rosie to her first day at the local primary school. Meanwhile, Archie is ready to go public with her relationship, but is Esther prepared to take such a big step?
What's the Big Deal: Britain's Best Buys?, C4, 8pm
In this technologically advanced age, we've long wondered when we can start delegating the housework to the machines. The closest we've come so far is the pricey robot vacuum cleaners that whizz around the house like eager pet dogs, but are they worth the price tag? Tonight, ex-EastEnder Natalie Cassidy tests out three different models to see if they can do a decent job. To make it a fair test, she is enlisting a group of toddlers to create a crumb-covered carpet of nightmares, and will deliver her verdict once the robots have set to work. Also under scrutiny are so-called 'dupe perfumes' – the cheaper fragrances that smell just the same as their expensive rivals. But how long do they really last after the first spritz and do you ultimately get what you pay for? Plus, there's time to test out expensive home massage guns and bespoke veggie choppers.
Emmerdale, ITV, 7.30pm
Mack panics when he finds Liam on the ground after being attacked. Chas and Aaron rush to be with Liam, who has no idea who assaulted him. Sarah is annoyed with Charity for allowing the bike race to happen. Kammy worries about Sarah and Jacob's history. Meanwhile, Tracy tells Jacob not to give up on getting Sarah back.
Billy and Dawn struggle to navigate the new normal. Mandy has a heart to heart with Vinny. John is frustrated that Aaron isn't talking to him.
Coronation Street, ITV, 8pm
Lauren finds Betsy destroying the stock in the florist van after a row with Tracy. The girls drive off in the van. Eileen has doubts about George. Julie tells her she shouldn't settle for anything less than true love.
David is furious when he lets himself into Sarah's flat and finds a half-naked Kit. Debbie panics as Laila gets a temperature while she's looking after her. Jenny gets defensive when Daisy and Christina discover she spent the night with Dom.