Renowned actor James Norton, popularly known for his role in Happy Valley, has opened up about a challenging injury he sustained while performing stunts for his upcoming BBC period drama, King and Conqueror. The series, set to premiere on August 24, 2025, delves into the historic events surrounding the 1066 Battle of Hastings.
The Dramatic Fall During Filming
Norton, cast as Harold of Wessex, revealed he broke his collarbone during the filming of intense battle scenes, including those for the Battle of Hastings and the Battle of Stamford Bridge. “I fell off a horse and landed on my shoulder,” Norton shared. “It was quite painful, but the recovery was remarkably quick, and it didn’t disrupt the filming schedule.” Despite the physical toll, his determination to perform his own stunts added an authentic touch to the scenes.
Fortunately, the actor had a skilled stunt double to assist him, whom he thanked for being a supportive collaborator during the recovery process. “There was a moment where we joked, ‘Who’s going to call Kitty [Kaletsky, the show’s executive producer] to explain this?’” Norton recalled with a laugh.
A Gripping Cast and Ambitious Production
The ambitious project, King and Conqueror, also showcases stellar performances from Game of Thrones’ Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as William the Conqueror, Clémence Poésy as Matilda, and Emily Beecham as Edith. The cast and crew endured challenging conditions, especially during filming in Iceland. Executive producer Kitty Kaletsky shared, “The magic hour lighting in Iceland was breathtaking, but shooting through non-chronological sequences was both a blessing and a challenge.”
Adding to the drama, Norton’s on-set injury became another obstacle for the production team to handle. “Despite the fall, everyone came together to ensure James received proper care and that the filming continued smoothly,” Kaletsky noted.
Managing Health On and Off Screen
Beyond the filming injury, Norton is also vocal about his personal battle with Type 1 diabetes, which he was diagnosed with at age 22. Reflecting on an earlier health incident at the GQ Men of the Year Awards, he explained how a sudden drop in blood sugar levels left him feeling faint. Quick intervention from nearby staff and his awareness helped avoid a more serious situation. “Diabetes management is a daily discipline, especially in high-pressure situations,” Norton emphasized.
How to Manage Recovery From Injuries
For those looking at quick recovery solutions for similar injuries, consider using an orthopedic brace or support, such as the DonJoy Clavicle Support, designed to alleviate pain and speed up healing for shoulder and collarbone injuries. Always consult a physician for proper guidance and treatment tailored to your situation.
Catch the eagerly anticipated premiere of King and Conqueror on August 24, 2025, to experience the epic cinematic retelling of pivotal historic events. With its intricate storytelling, stellar cast, and immersive action scenes, this BBC production promises to be unmissable.