Ex-stuntman Jonathan Goodwin suffered a terrifying accident just weeks after popping the question to Strictly star Amanda Abbington.
The Sherlock actress, who opened up about her difficult experience on Strictly in her first TV interviews this week, first locked eyes with the Welsh daredevil in 2021. The pair formed a romance after being friends for more than a decade on social media.
The adrenaline junkie was previously married to a woman named Katy, whom he shares a daughter with. Meanwhile, the 50-year-old actor shares two children with her ex-husband Martin Freeman but split in 2016.
READ MORE: All of Amanda Abbington’s explosive Strictly claims from bombshell TV interviews
READ MORE:Click for more brilliant Daily Star showbiz stories
Amanda and Jonathan quickly fell madly in love with each other after meeting in person. But disaster struck the pair one year later when the hunk was left fighting for his life during a stunt on the since-cancelled reality series America’s Got Talent: Extreme.
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The risktaker was left in a critical condition after he fell 30ft to the ground during a suspension stunt at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Georgia, USA, in October 2021. Instead of landing on an air mattress that was supposed to break his fall, he landed between two cars while strapped into a straightjacket, which then burst into flames.
He suffered a series of gruelling injuries from the accident. He severed his spinal cord, which left him paralysed for life, and even lost a kidney from the accident.
The thrill-seeker then spent four months in hospital recovering from his injuries. Speaking to restaurant critic Jay Rayner on his podcast Out to Lunch, Amanda explained: “He fell 30ft and lost a kidney, broke both shoulder blades, shattered both legs.
(Image: ITV)
“Third-degree burns, broke his spine and severed his spinal cord and nearly died. Then on the operating table, he nearly died again.”
The actor said it was unlikely her partner 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.” His life-changing accident occurred just weeks after he proposed the to mum-of-two.
(Image: ITV)
Taking to X – formerly known as Twitter – the happy couple shared their joyous news online. She gushed: “Man, I’m a lucky f***er…” alongside a diamond ring emoji as Jonathan replied: “Nah… I am x x.”
After the accident her husband-to-be, who also worked on Britain’s Got Talent, later took to Instagram to thank everyone who had reached out to him with their best wishes after his accident. He 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 outpouring 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.”
(Image: jonathangoodwinofficial/Instagram)
He added: “Truly incredible. 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.” Jonathan updated his followers throughout his recovery process.
(Image: Instagram)
In May 2022, he wrote: “Thanks for all the love and lovely messages. To answer some questions, I have a T11 spinal cord injury which means I’m paralysed from the waist down.”
Later that month he shared the first photo of himself since his injury. He could be seen sat in a wheelchair with his beloved pet dog.
Jonathan captioned the touching post: “He didn’t see his dad again until just a couple of weeks ago and when he finally did, Dad had new cool wheels.” Amanda later recalled the horror she experienced when she learned about the star’s accident.
(Image: Jonathan Goodwin/@jonathangoodwinofficial)
She said: “[The stunt] was dangerous, but I knew Jonathan was a perfectionist so I didn’t think any more about it. When I woke up the following morning, there was a voicemail from his stunt coordinator, ‘Jonathan’s had an accident. It’s not great news’.”
The dynamic duo later appeared on Lorraine as she showered Jonathan with praise. Speaking about his resilience, she said: “He’s amazing, he makes me smile. I love him to bits, he’s going from strength to strength.
“I forget he’s in a wheelchair; he’s independent and strong. He’s genuinely my hero, I don’t know what I’d do without him. He’s so supportive and gorgeous. Wedding in summer it’s happening.”
(Image: ITV)
The happy couple are set to tie the knot next year. Revealing some details about their upcoming nuptials, she gushed to press: “It’s at my friend’s house she has a lovely farm, so we’re going to do it here in the UK.”
Their star-studded guest list will include several recognisable faces on their big day. She added: “The actress Sue Vincent, who starred in Shameless and Coronation Street, and is my son’s godmother, is going to be my maid of honour. We’ve been friends for over 30 years.”
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
