06 October 2006 07:49:30 GMT
Top Gear crash 'could be screened'
The 300mph crash which left Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond fighting for his life may be shown on television, according to reports.
An insider told the Mirror newspaper that the BBC, which screens the show, are hoping to make a special programme about the accident, which occurred as Hammond was driving a jet-powered car at high speeds during filming for Top Gear.
The claims came as Hammond's co-presenter Jeremy Clarkson resumed filming on the popular motoring programme for the first time his since colleague's crash.
The source told the Mirror that BBC bosses were hopeful that Hammond would agree to the one-off documentary about his accident and subsequent recovery, although they are said to have ruled out showing footage of the immediate aftermath of the crash, for fear it could be "too distressing" for viewers.
"No one has asked Richard while he is still in hospital. Everyone is keen to make sure he doesn't feel pressured into anything," the insider said.
"But those who know him well believe he will be happy to do it."
Hammond, 36, is still recovering from the brain injury that he sustained after the jet-powered Vampire dragster he was driving veered off a track at Elvington airfield, near York, last month.
However, doctors have been pleased by the quick progress that the presenter has made since being rushed to Leeds General Infirmary for initial treatment and the star has now been moved to a hospital in Bristol closer to his home.
Although Hammond's Top Gear co-star, Clarkson, began filming again yesterday, test driving a Lotus Europa at Surrey's Dunsfold Park Aerodrome, the BBC have said that the next series of the show will not be scheduled for viewing until they have further news of the presenter's medical progress.
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