A daredevil performer broke every bone in his face after a stunt went horribly wrong in front of a shocked audience.
Ivan Mladenov had been performing with Circus Funtasia at Imperial Recreation Ground in Exmouth last year.
One of his most daring stunts was The Globe of Doom in which three motorbikes fly around in a steel ball at speeds in excess of 50mph.
However, when he misjudged one of his turns inside the ball, Ivan lost control and crashed his bike.
Two land ambulances, two hazardous area response teams, police and Devon Air Ambulance were all called to the scene and Ivan was airlifted to Derriford Hospital.
His injuries included breaking every bone in his face and multiple bones in his body but fortunately, no damage was done to his brain.
After months of recovery he is now making a comeback.
He told Manchester Evening News before a recent show: “The accident was really, really bad, I nearly lost my life. It changed my life.
"I'm feeling great, I'm so ready for the new audience, and to see how they'll react. I've performed in Bury twice before, and I'm excited to be back.
"I am going to show the audience that I am the only man in the country that can perform three somersaults on the wheel.
"They will be amazed.”
Despite the serious accident, Ivan has returned to his training and is even looking to set a new record.
During his comeback routine, he will perform inside a hamster wheel pendulum that spans over nine metres wide and is currently the only man in the UK to do three somersaults inside the wheel.
Circus Funtasia says that NHS staff have done "outstanding" work in helping Ivan to recover during the months he spent in hospital.
A police spokesperson said at the time of the incident: "Police were notified by ambulance following an incident at a circus in Exmouth.
“Two motorcycles are believed to have been involved in a collision during a performance at the venue in Imperial Recreation Ground.
"One man has sustained serious injuries and has been taken to Derriford Hospital. A scene guard is in place at the venue.
“The Health and Safety Executive has been informed about the incident.”
