Broadcaster Freddie Flintoff will shine a light on the reality of Tourette syndrome in a new two-part ITV documentary.
The former England cricketer's journey around the UK will be documented in Freddie Flintoff: Understanding Tourette’s as he meets young people diagnosed with the condition and their families.
The series aims to address the stigma and misconceptions that still surround Tourette’s.
Flintoff said that the controversy surrounding the Bafta Film Awards in February, when Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson could be heard shouting a racial slur during the broadcast, proves that “stigma is still out there”.
The 48-year-old commented: "Working with young people has always been a huge passion point for me, and Tourette’s is a condition that primarily starts in childhood."
He added: "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.
“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.
"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.
A closer look at Freddie Flintoff's life and career
"I hope this community will bring the change and understanding they deserve."
What is Tourette syndrome?
Tourette syndrome causes involuntary "sudden, repetitive sounds or movements" known as tics, according to the NHS website.
These can be triggered by different things, including stress, excitement or tiredness.
While treatment can help, Tourette's is incurable.
What happened to Freddie Flintoff?
Freddie was taken to hospital with facial and rib injuries following a crash at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey in December 2022 while he was filming for the BBC's Top Gear.
He underwent extensive reconstructive surgery for his facial injuries.
The documentary was produced by 72 Films in collaboration with UK charity, Tourette’s Action.
Emma McNally, chief executive of Tourette’s Action, said: "We’re looking forward to working with Freddie and ITV on this important new series and helping to ensure that the voices of the Tourette’s community are heard authentically.
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"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."
A broadcast date for Freddie Flintoff: Understanding Tourette’s has not yet been announced.
Will you watch the new documentary? Let us know in the comments below.
