Cricketer Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff and TV star Paddy McGuinness will make their debut as Top Gear hosts tonight when the motoring series returns.

The Ashes-winning sportsman and Take Me Out host McGuinness will join motoring journalist Chris Harris to front the 27th series of the BBC Two show.

Speaking about co-presenting the popular show, 41-year-old Flintoff said: "The only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself.

"I can't affect what the public think. I just have to go and do my job. That's the attitude I took as a cricketer."

The sportsman, who is 6ft 4, also revealed that as he gets older he prefers comfort in a car over size.

He explained: "I bought a Lamborghini, but I couldn't fit into it! That's an ongoing story. I'm a big lad, aren't I? There are some cars that I can't fit into, the Lamborghini being one of them.

"I've now swapped it for a convertible, so I can look over the top. I've got a bad camber on my drive, so I can't get up the path unless I can see it properly.

"I fit into some cars better than others. As I get older, I prefer bigger, comfier cars rather than squeezing into all sorts, unlike Chris, who can get into pretty much almost anything!"

McGuinness previously said the Top Gear role is a "real honour and I'm thrilled the BBC have given me this opportunity."

"To be hosting a show I've watched and loved from being a small boy is beyond exciting. Top Gear fans worldwide are a passionate bunch and I consider myself one of them," he added.

Last year former Friends star Matt LeBlanc announced he would not be returning as a host.

He joined the BBC motoring show in 2016, has cited the demands of the job, and time away from family and friends, as the reasons for him putting the brakes on his presenting career. 

In tonight's episode at 8pm on BBC Two the team head to Ethiopia. 

For more TV news, click here