Freddie Flintoff to front new ITV documentary Understanding Tourette's as he admits the thought of children battling the condition 'breaks his heart'
Freddie wants to help quash the stigmaFreddie Flintoff is embarking on an emotional journey around the UK to meet children who have been diagnosed with Tourette’s.
The former cricket legend, 48, hopes to understand the neurological condition better and help break the stigma surrounding it.
Freddie does not have Tourette’s himself but he believes he shares a similar understanding with the kids involved.
Many feel isolated and too afraid to leave the house. This is something Freddie has also experienced in the past.
Freddie Flintoff: Understanding Tourette’s announced by ITV
Freddie’s new documentary was announced today (Monday June 8, 2026) by ITV.
It was also confirmed the star, who has presented shows including Top Gear, Bullseye and Field of Dreams, will be working closely with the charity Tourettes Action on the documentary.
Freddie will be visiting young people and their families who are at different stages in their Tourette’s journey. Some are still battling to get a diagnosis, while others have been living with the condition for many years.
In December 2022, Freddie ‘thought he had died’ while filming an episode of Top Gear. He was driving an open-topped Morgan Super 3 when it flipped, dragging him along the ground.
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The crash changed Freddie’s life, leaving him with physical and psychological scars. He didn’t leave the house for around eight months, other than to attend medical appointments.
Explaining his reason for embarking on his latest television project, Freddie says: “Working with young people has always been a huge passion point for me, and Tourette’s is a condition that primarily starts in childhood.
What is Tourette’s?
These are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that are difficult to control.
Tics can include eye blinking, head jerking and shoulder shrugging.
People with Tourette's can also involuntarily clear their throat, grunt or repeat words and phrases - including swear words.
The NHS states on its website: "Tics can be triggered by different things including stress, excitement or tiredness.
"Symptoms of Tourette syndrome usually start around the age of 6 and can get more noticeable around age 10.
"Tourette syndrome is more common in boys than girls."
Suffers can receive behavioural therapy to help manage the tics. Medicine will also be offered of behavioural therapy does not help.
“The thought of kids isolating themselves and facing such strong stigma both breaks my heart and resonates deeply with me – after my accident, I wouldn’t leave my own house and that’s a feeling I would never want anyone, let alone a kid, to go through.”
BAFTA Film Awards in Tourette’s backlash
Freddie was also touched by this year’s BAFTA Film Awards. John Davidson MBE, who has Tourette Syndrome, shouted out a racial slur during the ceremony. The negativity it sparked was deemed a huge backwards step for campaigners and people with living with condition.
“The events at the BAFTA Film Awards and the online discourse that followed only emphasised how much stigma is still out there – whilst the film made such positive strides for this community, these secondary responses seemed to set those advances right back,” Freddie continues.
“If there is any way I can help those affected, working directly with them and experts in the field, and also help spread awareness and push for change, then that is what I’ll do.
“I hope this community will bring the change and understanding they deserve.”
Meanwhile, Emma McNally, CEO for Tourettes Action, says she is “looking forward” to working with Freddie.
She says: “Too often in the past, portrayals of Tourette’s have focused on shock factor or humour, which can reinforce misunderstanding and stigma.
“By showing the different ways Tourette’s can present, this series has the potential to help all members of the community feel seen, supported and validated, regardless of how their Tourette’s affects them.”
ITV is yet to confirm when Freddie Flintoff: Understanding Tourette’s will air. It is likely to land in late 2026.
