Freddie Flintoff to Front New BBC Doc Series

Former international cricketer Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff is on board a new three-part series from BBC Factual that will see him undertaking the task of setting up an unlikely cricket team.

Tentatively titled Freddie’s First Eleven, the series will feature 11 teens from some of the most underprivileged parts of his native Lancashire who have never played cricket before and view the game as the domain of the posh and privileged. He is out to prove that anyone can find camaraderie, confidence and success playing the sport he loves.

The series, produced by South Shore, is slated for BBC One and iPlayer.

Flintoff said: “I made it to the highest level of cricket attending state schools on an estate in Preston, but I can’t see many others doing that now. The vast majority of England’s men’s national cricket team attended private school. Cricket is more elitist per head than rugby, rowing and the House of Lords. We’ve got to do something to get young, working-class people playing our national summer sport again. I really hope this series can demonstrate that with some time and coaching, anyone can learn to love cricket and have the opportunities that came my way.”

Clare Sillery, the BBC’s head of commissioning for documentaries, history and religion, added: “I am delighted to be working with Freddie and South Shore on what promises to be an interesting and unique series. I can’t wait to see what unfolds when one of our greatest sporting heroes, who has a genuine passion and commitment to bring change to youngsters’ lives, takes on this challenge.”