Freddie Flintoff is "having a laugh" on 'Top Gear'.

Freddie Flintoff with his Top Gear co-hosts

Freddie Flintoff with his Top Gear co-hosts

The former cricketer is the new co-host of the motoring show alongside Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris but he's not feeling any pressure to live up tot he success of previous hosts as he just wants to have a good time and be himself.

He said: "I just want to be myself and not compromise who I am.

"As a sportsman, I was under pressure every day and had people expecting things of me.

"This TV show is about enjoying myself and having a laugh. It was always a dream to do it - so I'm happy."

The new team have already shot two episodes of the upcoming new series and Freddie is having a great time.

He told the Daily Star newspaper: "We've had some really fun days of filming so far. It's sort of just sunk in what we're doing.

"All the crew are so nice and I'm loving it."

The 41-year-old sportsman is also enjoying getting to know his new "telly wife" Paddy better.

He said: "Jamie Redknapp and I are a bit of a duo, he was my telly wife for 13 years but now it's Paddy.

"Paddy is only from Bolton, which is less than 15 minutes away from me.

"We have mutual friends and have done Soccer Aid together so it's been really nice getting to know him."

Freddie retired from cricket 10 years ago but the 'A League of Their Own' star never expected to then enjoy a successful second career on TV.

He said: "I say no to more things than I say yes to but I do feel lucky.

"All I ever wanted to do was be a cricketer so TV work is taking a direction I never thought I would do. But I love it.

"I just know I need to work hard and put the time in.

"From sport you know you always need to strive to get better."