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Open in new tab Former Doctor Who star Matt Smith ‘almost broke his neck’ on the set of his new show – when the horse he was riding bolted.
The actor was in the saddle in South Africa filming for new royal series The Crown when the animal rampaged into nearby filming equipment.
Wildlife expert Luke Cornell said: “When I was moving some of my animals and had my back turned, Matt climbed on the horse. It was a near disaster. He very nearly broke his neck.
“He had a near accident which could have killed him.
“The horse took off, charging through the equipment, lighting stands, into cameras, at a terrific speed and Matt had no helmet on. He was very lucky he didn’t get seriously hurt but was very shaken, white as a sheet. He bit off more than he could chew. It was horrendous.”
Matt, 33, plays Prince Philip in The Crown, with Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth. The drama – for internet broadcaster Netflix – charts their lives from 1947 to the present day. Luke said Matt got into bother after stunt doubles had dismounted. They had filmed scenes where the royal couple “ride off into the bush for a bit of romance”.
The stars also worked with cheetahs, a baboon and hawk. Luke added: “Claire and Matt were afraid of being bitten, kicked and pecked. I kept saying there’s no reason for the animals to attack.”