“We grew up together, and then he grew to be one of my best friends and has been ever since.”

By James Hibbs

Published: Monday, 13 November 2023 at 21:00 PM


New Sky documentary David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived tells the story of Holmes, Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry Potter stunt double who was left paralysed while filming the hit movie franchise.

Ahead of the documentary’s release, Holmes spoke with this week’s Radio Times magazine, and discussed his close bond with Radcliffe – who he calls his “brother”.

Holmes said that when they were working on the films, he and Radcliffe would “mess around together” and that they would “jump off Portakabins, we would jump on trampolines and do all things that would make the insurance company have a fit”.

He explained that their bond hasn’t changed over the years, adding: “Whether that was us going on holidays together in our teenage years or when I go out and spend time with him in New York, it’s that sense of, ‘I’m just your mate.’

“We grew up together, and then he grew to be one of my best friends and has been ever since. I’m nothing but proud of him.”

A younger David Holmes and Daniel Radcliffe smiling together
David Holmes and Daniel Radcliffe.
Sky

Holmes also explained how he feels about the Harry Potter films now, saying: “I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t have regrets. But around my stunt career and around my contribution to the Potters, no.

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“I had the best job in the world and I’m part of something really beautiful, and you can’t ask for more than that as a legacy. If anyone can take something from my film, it’s understanding that we’re all on borrowed time and that we make the most of it.”

The one-off documentary will feature personal footage shot over the last decade, behind-the-scenes material from Holmes’s stunt work, scenes of his current life and intimate interviews with Holmes, Radcliffe, friends, family and former crew.

It will first air on HBO in the US on Wednesday 15th November, before arriving on Sky Documentary and NOW from Saturday 18th November.

The Crown Radio Times cover with Elizabeth Debicki wearing a black turtle neck
The Crown Radio Times cover.