Stars dive into the deep in ITV’s SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters

In a thrilling and emotionally charged new ITV series, SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters, seven celebrities venture into the shark-rich waters of The Bahamas to confront deep-seated fears, bond through shared adventure, and shed light on the urgent need for shark conservation.

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Jaws—a film that vilified sharks for generations—the series challenges perceptions by showcasing the true nature of these often-misunderstood apex predators.

Under the guidance of world-leading shark experts, the celebrity participants don scuba gear and dive headfirst into the deep, with powerful results.

A-list team faces fears beneath the surface

The diverse celebrity line-up includes comedian Sir Lenny Henry, presenters Rachel Riley and Ade Adepitan, actors Lucy Punch and Helen George, McFly bassist Dougie Poynter, and comedian Ross Noble. Each brings their own motivations, fears and curiosities to the project—but all leave transformed.

“When I first heard about it, I thought it was a wind-up,” admits Ross Noble. “Then I realised that there was a bigger message to the whole thing.”

For Countdown’s Rachel Riley, the adventure was a dream realised: “So few people in the world get to do it. This opportunity ticked so many boxes for me – it was really exciting.”

Triumph over terror

Learning to scuba dive was a significant hurdle for many of the celebrities, with double-daily dives and unpredictable seas pushing them to their limits.

“It was a lot of hard work,” says Ade Adepitan. “We had to get our skills to a really decent level… and then on top of that, there’s sharks and an unpredictable sea!”

For Helen George, the encounters were both terrifying and life-changing. “Some of the first dives that we did were just the most magical things that I’ve ever done in my life… They swam a foot over my head. It was insane.”

Sir Lenny Henry reflects on a close brush with a massive Hammerhead shark: “One minute they are not there, then the next minute they are three feet away… I just bent backwards, almost perpendicular to the floor. I will never, ever forget it.”

No competition – just connection

Unlike traditional reality formats, there’s no public vote or elimination element. The show thrives on camaraderie, not rivalry.

“There was no competing for a torch,” Sir Lenny confirms. “We all had each other’s backs.”

Lucy Punch describes the group’s bond as unforgettable: “The people on this adventure surpassed even the sharks for me… To go through something so unique together – I feel bonded to these people for life.”

Dougie Poynter agrees: “We genuinely all got along… I swear I came back with a six-pack from laughing so much.”

A mission with a message

While packed with heart-pounding moments, the series has a serious purpose—to promote shark conservation and educate viewers about the vital ecological role these creatures play.

“We probably know more about space than we do about sharks,” says Adepitan. “This is our planet… we’ve got to recognise the value of everything on it. Sharks are an incredibly important species.”

Riley adds: “Sharks are so useful. They keep the coral reefs healthy… once you remove the coral reefs, the shore just gets completely battered. The programme isn’t just entertaining – there is a strong message.”

Unforgettable experiences leave lasting marks

Watch: When the cast see sharks for the first time

From close encounters with Hammerheads to tearful triumphs over phobias, SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters promises breathtaking scenes and raw human emotion.

“It was like in Jurassic Park when they see the Brachiosaurus for the first time,” says Poynter. “The Hammerheads for me were like that. I’m going to get a Hammerhead tattoo to remember it.”

Sir Lenny sums it up best: “By the end of it we felt like a squad… I’ve been in the water with a Hammerhead shark and I’m here!”

SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters starts tonight at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player