Latest news with #Shark!CelebrityInfestedWaters
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Celebrities in new series Shark! taught by diving instructor with missing limbs
The celebrities were said to be taking a big risk as they swam with ever-increasing sized sharks in the Bahamas in a new ITV series to mark the 50th anniversary of Jaws The seven celebrities who agreed to swim with sharks in an ITV series which marks the 50th anniversary of Jaws, were taught to dive by an instructor with missing limbs. The seven stars - who all admit to being scared of the sea - were Call the Midwife's Helen George, comedians Sir Lenny Henry and Ross Noble, Countdown's Rachel Riley, McFly's Dougie Poynter, Amandaland's Lucy Punch and TV presenter Ade Adepitan. All have now returned from filming Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters with their lives intact, but were constantly reminded of the dangers involved by their Australian instructor - who was missing an arm and a leg, courtesy of a tiger shark. For the five-part series, due to start next month, the celebs were challenged to confront their greatest fear and flown to the island on Bimini in the Bahamas, home to around 10 different species of shark. Once there, they took the plunge together alongside hammerhead, bull and tiger sharks. While there is no voting or elimination process in the show, the dives got progressively harder, with each involving a bigger and tougher breed of shark, and the celebrities were allowed to sit out if they felt overwhelmed. One insider said: 'The sharks they were free diving with were definitely dangerous and they were shocked when they realised what had happened to the expert, who'd had an arm and a leg bitten off.' Despite the series being shown as tribute to half a century since the Oscar-winning Jaws was released in 1975, the 'ocean-phobic' stars did not attempt to recreate the movie scenes. 'There were no Great Whites involved in the making of this show,' the source said. 'But it was not for the faint-hearted, that's for sure. Some were more scared than others.' Viewers will have to wait to see if any of the stars sustained injuries during the making of the programme, which was filmed last year. Yesterday presenter Rachel said that taking part was a 'dream come true' adding: 'It was the best trip, the best experience, the best everything, of my life.' Describing it as 'wet and wild' she added: 'Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is a totally new type of entertainment show, with so much integrity and a love of sharks and conservation at its heart. And with the best bunch of people you could hope to work with.' The mum-of-two said she'd first been asked to take part a year ago. 'They said we're thinking of sending some celebrities out to the Bahamas for a few weeks to swim with some of the biggest, scariest wild sharks in the world.' Helen agreed that it had been brilliant, saying: 'One of the most insane experiences of my life, learning about this incredible creatures, with equally incredible humans.' Ross described it as a 'great adventure' and quipped: 'No, it's not a wind up, it's a real thing.' And pop star Dougie marvelled that it was the closest he'd ever get to a 'real Jurassic Park experience'. ITV entertainment boss Katie Rawcliffe said audiences should enjoy the combination of blue chip natural history programming with ITV's skill at entertainment, and called the famous faces taking part 'some of the bravest celebrities out there'. Karen Plumb, of Plimsoll Productions, said the aim was to give viewers a new perspective on sharks. 'We're constantly looking for innovative approaches to wildlife storytelling and are certain that our fish-out-of-water spin – delivering 50 years after Jaws – will transform the world's perception of these critical predators before it's too late.'
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Lenny Henry and Rachel Riley among stars diving with sharks in new show
Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is set to air in 2025 as the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's three-time Oscar-winning film Jaws is celebrated this year. Participants also include presenter Ade Adepitan, Call The Midwife actress Helen George, comedian Ross Noble, McFly bassist Dougie Poynter and Amandaland actress Lucy Punch. ITV said that the 'group of ocean-phobic celebrities' will be heading to the Bahamas, where they will have to dive with bigger and more dangerous species of sharks. Bimini, the island where the show will be filmed, is home to around seven to 10 different types of the fish including Caribbean reef sharks, great hammerhead sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks. The celebrities will also take part in a series of challenges as they learn the importance of sharks to oceans' ecosystems. Karen Plumb, head of factual entertainment at production company Plimsoll Productions, said: 'The team at Plimsoll is uniquely positioned to pioneer this format that blends conservation with wildly entertaining pop culture. 'We're constantly looking for innovative approaches to wildlife storytelling and are certain that our fish-out-of-water spin – delivering 50 years after Jaws – will transform the world's perception of these critical predators before it's too late.' Sir Lenny, 66, who is known for sketch show The Lenny Henry Show, and sitcom Chef, has also been in fantasy series The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power, and taken part in ITV celebrity singing programme The Masked Singer. Riley, 39, has been on BBC competitions Strictly Come Dancing, Richard Osman's House Of Games and The Weakest Link. She has previously voiced support for Bite-Back, a shark and marine conservation charity. I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! winner Poynter, 37, has previously campaigned for action on plastics to protect oceans and wildlife. He has released the book Plastic Sucks! You Can Make A Difference, and used his Instagram account to criticise the use of shark fins in medicine, and soup. Call The Midwife star George, 40, said in a post on Instagram: 'One of the most insane experiences of my life, learning about these incredible creatures, with equally incredible humans.' Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment commissioning at ITV, said: 'We're super excited to be combining the work of Plimsoll – a blue chip natural history production company – with the expertise of ITV Entertainment. 'Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters promises to be a once in a lifetime challenge for some of the bravest celebrities out there.' Bite-Back's founder Graham Buckingham has previously said that Jaws is not a 'documentary', and pushed for the public to 'learn to see them (sharks) as awesome, fascinating and incredible creatures worthy of protection'. According to the Natural History Museum, shark attacks fell to the lowest level in more than three decades last year, with the International Shark Attack File saying that 47 people were hurt in 'unprovoked shark attacks' in 2024.
Powys County Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Lenny Henry and Rachel Riley among stars diving with sharks in new show
Actor Sir Lenny Henry and Countdown star Rachel Riley are among the famous faces who are diving with sharks for a new show. Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is set to air in 2025 as the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's three-time Oscar-winning film Jaws is celebrated this year. Participants also include presenter Ade Adepitan, Call The Midwife actress Helen George, comedian Ross Noble, McFly bassist Dougie Poynter and Amandaland actress Lucy Punch. ITV said that the 'group of ocean-phobic celebrities' will be heading to the Bahamas, where they will have to dive with bigger and more dangerous species of sharks. Bimini, the island where the show will be filmed, is home to around seven to 10 different types of the fish including Caribbean reef sharks, great hammerhead sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks. The celebrities will also take part in a series of challenges as they learn the importance of sharks to oceans' ecosystems. Karen Plumb, head of factual entertainment at production company Plimsoll Productions, said: 'The team at Plimsoll is uniquely positioned to pioneer this format that blends conservation with wildly entertaining pop culture. 'We're constantly looking for innovative approaches to wildlife storytelling and are certain that our fish-out-of-water spin – delivering 50 years after Jaws – will transform the world's perception of these critical predators before it's too late.' Sir Lenny, 66, who is known for sketch show The Lenny Henry Show, and sitcom Chef, has also been in fantasy series The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power, and taken part in ITV celebrity singing programme The Masked Singer. Riley, 39, has been on BBC competitions Strictly Come Dancing, Richard Osman's House Of Games and The Weakest Link. She has previously voiced support for Bite-Back, a shark and marine conservation charity. I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! winner Poynter, 37, has previously campaigned for action on plastics to protect oceans and wildlife. He has released the book Plastic Sucks! You Can Make A Difference, and used his Instagram account to criticise the use of shark fins in medicine, and soup. Call The Midwife star George, 40, said in a post on Instagram: 'One of the most insane experiences of my life, learning about these incredible creatures, with equally incredible humans.' Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment commissioning at ITV, said: 'We're super excited to be combining the work of Plimsoll – a blue chip natural history production company – with the expertise of ITV Entertainment. 'Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters promises to be a once in a lifetime challenge for some of the bravest celebrities out there.' Bite-Back's founder Graham Buckingham has previously said that Jaws is not a 'documentary', and pushed for the public to 'learn to see them (sharks) as awesome, fascinating and incredible creatures worthy of protection'. According to the Natural History Museum, shark attacks fell to the lowest level in more than three decades last year, with the International Shark Attack File saying that 47 people were hurt in 'unprovoked shark attacks' in 2024.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Lenny Henry and Rachel Riley among stars diving with sharks in new show
Lenny Henry and Rachel Riley among stars diving with sharks in new show Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is set to air in 2025 The seven celebrities will be facing their biggest fear (Image: ITV ) Actor Sir Lenny Henry and Countdown star Rachel Riley are among the famous faces who are diving with sharks for a new show. Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is set to air in 2025 as the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's three-time Oscar-winning film Jaws is celebrated this year. Participants also include presenter Ade Adepitan, Call The Midwife actress Helen George, comedian Ross Noble, McFly bassist Dougie Poynter and Amandaland actress Lucy Punch. ITV said that the "group of ocean-phobic celebrities" will be heading to the Bahamas, where they will have to dive with bigger and more dangerous species of sharks. Bimini, the island where the show will be filmed, is home to around seven to 10 different types of the fish including Caribbean reef sharks, great hammerhead sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks. The celebrities will also take part in a series of challenges as they learn the importance of sharks to oceans' ecosystems. Article continues below Karen Plumb, head of factual entertainment at production company Plimsoll Productions, said: "The team at Plimsoll is uniquely positioned to pioneer this format that blends conservation with wildly entertaining pop culture. "We're constantly looking for innovative approaches to wildlife storytelling and are certain that our fish-out-of-water spin – delivering 50 years after Jaws – will transform the world's perception of these critical predators before it's too late." Sir Lenny, 66, who is known for sketch show The Lenny Henry Show, and sitcom Chef, has also been in fantasy series The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power, and taken part in ITV celebrity singing programme The Masked Singer. Riley, 39, has been on BBC competitions Strictly Come Dancing, Richard Osman's House Of Games and The Weakest Link. She has previously voiced support for Bite-Back, a shark and marine conservation charity. I'm A Me Out of Here! winner Poynter, 37, has previously campaigned for action on plastics to protect oceans and wildlife. He has released the book Plastic Sucks! You Can Make A Difference, and used his Instagram account to criticise the use of shark fins in medicine, and soup. Call The Midwife star George, 40, said in a post on Instagram: "One of the most insane experiences of my life, learning about these incredible creatures, with equally incredible humans." Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment commissioning at ITV, said: "We're super excited to be combining the work of Plimsoll – a blue chip natural history production company – with the expertise of ITV Entertainment. Article continues below "Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters promises to be a once in a lifetime challenge for some of the bravest celebrities out there." Bite-Back's founder Graham Buckingham has previously said that Jaws is not a "documentary", and pushed for the public to "learn to see them (sharks) as awesome, fascinating and incredible creatures worthy of protection". According to the Natural History Museum, shark attacks fell to the lowest level in more than three decades last year, with the International Shark Attack File saying that 47 people were hurt in "unprovoked shark attacks" in 2024.
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Lenny Henry and Rachel Riley among stars diving with sharks in new show
Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is set to air in 2025 as the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's three-time Oscar-winning film Jaws is celebrated this year. Participants also include presenter Ade Adepitan, Call The Midwife actress Helen George, comedian Ross Noble, McFly bassist Dougie Poynter and Amandaland actress Lucy Punch. ITV said that the 'group of ocean-phobic celebrities' will be heading to the Bahamas, where they will have to dive with bigger and more dangerous species of sharks. Bimini, the island where the show will be filmed, is home to around seven to 10 different types of the fish including Caribbean reef sharks, great hammerhead sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks. The celebrities will also take part in a series of challenges as they learn the importance of sharks to oceans' ecosystems. Karen Plumb, head of factual entertainment at production company Plimsoll Productions, said: 'The team at Plimsoll is uniquely positioned to pioneer this format that blends conservation with wildly entertaining pop culture. 'We're constantly looking for innovative approaches to wildlife storytelling and are certain that our fish-out-of-water spin – delivering 50 years after Jaws – will transform the world's perception of these critical predators before it's too late.' Sir Lenny, 66, who is known for sketch show The Lenny Henry Show, and sitcom Chef, has also been in fantasy series The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power, and taken part in ITV celebrity singing programme The Masked Singer. Riley, 39, has been on BBC competitions Strictly Come Dancing, Richard Osman's House Of Games and The Weakest Link. She has previously voiced support for Bite-Back, a shark and marine conservation charity. I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! winner Poynter, 37, has previously campaigned for action on plastics to protect oceans and wildlife. He has released the book Plastic Sucks! You Can Make A Difference, and used his Instagram account to criticise the use of shark fins in medicine, and soup. Call The Midwife star George, 40, said in a post on Instagram: 'One of the most insane experiences of my life, learning about these incredible creatures, with equally incredible humans.' Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment commissioning at ITV, said: 'We're super excited to be combining the work of Plimsoll – a blue chip natural history production company – with the expertise of ITV Entertainment. 'Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters promises to be a once in a lifetime challenge for some of the bravest celebrities out there.' Bite-Back's founder Graham Buckingham has previously said that Jaws is not a 'documentary', and pushed for the public to 'learn to see them (sharks) as awesome, fascinating and incredible creatures worthy of protection'. According to the Natural History Museum, shark attacks fell to the lowest level in more than three decades last year, with the International Shark Attack File saying that 47 people were hurt in 'unprovoked shark attacks' in 2024.
