Actress Amanda Abbington has revealed her stuntman fiancé is paralysed for life after an appearance on America’s Got Talent went disastrously wrong.
The star, who appeared in Sherlock and Mr Selfridge, said her partner Jonathan Goodwin “nearly died twice” following the horror accident in October 2021.
Welsh daredevil Jonathan was left in a critical condition after plunging 30ft to the ground during a suspension stunt at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Georgia.
Instead of landing on the air mattress that was supposed to break his fall, he ended up sandwiched between two cars while clad in a straightjacket, which then burst into flames.
He then spent four months in hospital recovering from his injuries, which included broken and shattered bones and severe burns.
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Speaking on restaurant critic Jay Rayner’s Out to Lunch podcast, Amanda said: “He fell 30ft and lost a kidney, broke both shoulder blades, shattered both legs.
“Third degree burns, broke his spine and severed his spinal cord and nearly died. Then on the operating table, he nearly died again.”
The 48-year-old actress, who shares two children with ex-husband Martin Freeman, said it was unlikely Jonathan would ever walk again.
She continued: “He’s paralysed now he’s in a wheelchair. Unless there’s a kind of stem cell surgery or that thing that Elon Musk is designing with the little chip, he’ll be like that forever.”
Weeks before the accident, Jonathan, 42, proposed to Amanda with the pair announcing the happy news on October 22 last year.
Posting on Instagram, Jonathan – who has also appeared on Britain’s Got Talent – wrote: "You can’t say you don’t get out what you put in.
“I’ve tried my hardest over the years to be kind, thoughtful, honest supportive and good. A couple of days ago my life took a complete left turn… and the out pouring of love from all the corners of the world; from people I didn’t even think would know or remember me… has just been astonishing. Truly incredible."
He continued: "I will have a lot to say on that matter and the benefits of being kind in the future.. but thank you. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and sent their love and support. It literally has been a lifesaver.
"There are a few people who should not remain nameless. Firstly Tony, Stuart and Jenni (not tagged as it seemed inappropriate) Milligan, Joe, Grace, Jane, Helen, mum and dad and Simon and Danny."
"Then most importantly my fiancé and the best thing to ever happen to me, Amanda," he added.
Amanda also confirmed the engagement with a brief post on Twitter .
"Man, I’m a lucky f**ker…" she wrote, alongside a diamond ring emoji, prompting Jonathan to reply: "Nah... I am x x."
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