Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris lead stars at Top Gear premiere ahead of series 28 debut

Freddie Flintoff did not join the pair 
1/11
The Weekender

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Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris reunited on the red carpet at the premiere of the latest series of Top Gear - but their co-presenter Freddie Flintoff was missing.

The duo looked cheerful as ever as they headed to Leicester Square to mark the return of the BBC Two motoring programme.

To mark the occasion, a number of the vehicles that will feature in the upcoming episodes were transported to the London landmark.

Together with The Stig, McGuinness and Harris posed alongside cars including an Aston Martin DBX - with the event marking the first time the model has been seen on public roads.

Premiere: Harris and McGuiness were without their co-presenter
PA

A teaser trailer for the new series of the long-running show saw the team attempt to pull off one of their wildest stunts yet - bungee jumping off a 500 foot dam in a Rover.

The nail-biting challenge prompted Flintoff to admit: "At this point, I wish I'd done Strictly."

The Rover Metro Cabriolet that Flintoff used was also shipped in to mark the series' official launch.

This marks McGuinness' second series with Flintoff and Harris, after he replaced previous host Matt LeBlanc.

Rover: The vehicle used in Flintoff's stunt is still in one piece
PA

Speaking ahead of the previous season, the presenter said that the new group of hosts brought a "different vibe" to Top Gear and has "embrace[d] all sorts of emotions."

"I feel as if we're bringing a different vibe to the show, which is a positive in my eyes, with families watching it," he said.

After the success of their first series together, Flintoff, McGuinness and Harris headed to Nepal for a Christmas special, which was broadcast over the festive period.

​Top Gear returns to BBC Two on January 26.

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