'Breaking my neck on Harry Potter hasn’t changed me as a person,' says former stunt double David Holmes

Former Harry Potter stunt double David Holmes says a life-changing accident on set did not alter who he is, only how he lives. Holmes was just 17 years old when he began working as Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double, performing the dangerous physical scenes that were considered too risky for the young lead actor.

A gifted gymnast from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, Holmes helped bring some of the wizarding world’s most iconic moments to life, including becoming the first person to fly a broomstick for a Quidditch scene.

But in January 2009, while filming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Holmes was violently pulled backward by a harness during a rehearsal. He remained conscious and immediately knew something was wrong. He had broken his neck. He was 24 years old and left paralysed.

Despite the devastating consequences, Holmes says he has never allowed bitterness or blame to define him. He has been open about accepting the risks of stunt work and choosing to focus on recovery rather than anger. “The hardest thing,” he said, “was watching the impact it had on the people I love.”

Holmes says he remains deeply proud of his work on the franchise, describing Harry Potter as a “safe space” for people around the world. He believes the films continue to provide comfort, even in conflict zones, and sees that as something meaningful to have contributed to.

That impact is also deeply personal. Holmes’ partner Rosie, whom he met three years ago, is also a quadriplegic. He says the Harry Potter films helped her through some of her darkest moments — long before they ever met. “It took me to break my neck to meet the woman of my dreams,” he said.

After the accident, Holmes chose not to pursue legal action against the studio, saying he wanted to focus on healing and was grateful for the insurance support he received. He has also been candid about ongoing medical challenges, including surgery for a spinal cyst and uncertainty around how his condition may progress in the future.

Encouraged by Radcliffe, Holmes shared his story in the documentary David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived. Though he hasn’t watched it himself, he says releasing it helped him further accept who he is and strengthened his commitment to disability advocacy.

Holmes regularly speaks out about accessibility barriers, from housing and benefits systems to something as simple as going to the cinema together. “We live in a society where disabled people are punished to love each other,” he said.

Now, Holmes is returning to the wizarding world in a new way. He voices Stan Shunpike, the conductor of the Knight Bus, in the upcoming audiobook of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The role is especially meaningful, as Holmes originally worked on the Knight Bus scenes as Radcliffe’s stunt double.

He says being included is important — not just for him, but for representation. Holmes has long advocated for visible disability in fantasy worlds and hopes his casting opens doors for others.

Beyond acting, Holmes continues to give back. He supports fundraising efforts for spinal injury centers, is writing a children’s book about a teenage stunt performer, and hopes to stage a one-man show celebrating stunt work and storytelling.

“If my legs came back to life tomorrow, I’d go straight back to work,” he said. “It’s the best job in the world.”

Above all, Holmes says what matters most is that the accident didn’t take away his identity. “The thing I’m most proud of,” he said, “is that I broke my neck and stayed the same person.”