BROADCASTING: Freddie Flintoff explores the ‘Hidden Side of Sport’ in new BBC documentary

Former England cricketer Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff will probe what lies beneath the glossy veneer of the professional sporting world by exploring its relationship with depression in a new BBC documentary.

Freddie Flintoff: Hidden Side Of Sport will see him embark on a journey to learn more about depression, its presence in sport and the measures that can be taken to help players who suffer with this debilitating illness.

Flintoff has first-hand experience of this area after fighting his own private battle with the illness during his England career.

Having been an integral part of the England side that regained the Ashes in the magnificent 2005 test series, Flintoff became a national sporting hero with his destructive batting and flamboyant bowling style.

But after being appointed as captain for the disasterous 2006/7 tour of Australia, due to Michael Vaughan’s injury absence, his form suffered and the severe pressure of the role took its toll as England capitulated to a 5-0 whitewash.

He talks about his experiences on that fateful tour for the first time, and also speaks about his problems with alcohol at the 2007 World Cup, during which he lost the vice-captaincy after the infamous ‘pedalo’ incident. 

In the BBC documentary, Flintoff meets various sportsmen and women past and present, from those who lost careers through depression to those driven to the edge, and asks what can be done to help support and protect our aspiring athletes.

He will examine and question the role of journalists and fans who expect their heroes to perform at the very highest level.

The 50-minute film includes moving interviews with Steve Harmison, Vinnie Jones and Ricky Hatton, plus contributions from former tabloid editor and cricket fan Piers Morgan, and various coaches and managers from within the professional sporting sphere.

“Depression affects many people throughout the UK. It’s a subject we avoid talking about, particularly in sport where it is becoming increasingly prevalent,” says Charlotte Moore, Commissioning Editor for BBC Documentaries.

“Freddie Flintoff has witnessed its sometimes devastating effects during his own glittering and explosive cricketing career. He will bring a fresh and sensitive approach to this subject for BBC One viewers.”