Hammond begs BBC to air crash video; "fuming" over Top Gear hiatus

Top Gear host Richard Hammond has reportedly begged the BBC to air footage of the 280 mph dragster car crash that nearly killed him. Hammond worries the accident may be used as an excuse to cancel the show, which the BBC has put on hold indefinitely. "Richard could not stand to feel he was to blame for the demise of the show he loves," a friend said.

"He's fuming they've postponed the next series because he fears that's the first step towards the BBC pulling the plug permanently. He's terrified they're going to axe it while he's stuck in hospital."

The new season of Top Gear was slated to begin on October 8th. Hammond says he wants the BBC to air the crash footage, and even allow him to share his commentary on the accident. "He'll do anything to keep Top Gear going, even if it means broadcasting from his hospital bed."