
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.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Edinburgh Live
34 minutes ago
- Edinburgh Live
The Chase star Mark Labbett says 'it's an honour' 16 years after ITV show debut
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Chase's Mark Labbett was quick to issue a message to one of the celebrity guests during Saturday's show. During the episode, which originally aired last year, ITV viewers saw 'The Beast' go head to head with the likes of Raj Bisram, Danielle Harold, John Conteh and Roger Black, who were all competing to win money for their charity. With the Antiques Roadshow expert and EastEnders star successfully managing to make it back to the table with the money they had earned in their round, it was time for former British professional boxer John Conteh to face Mark. The 74-year-old answered three questions correctly, meaning he had earned a total of £3,000 to potentially bring back to the team. However, before facing Mark at the table, the quizzer had some kind words to say to the boxing champ. He said: 'Good evening, John. It's not often I say this, but it's an honour, sir, to meet you.' The audience gave a collective sound of admiration for Mark's remark as John thanked him. Bradley added: 'He loves his boxing!' Although the niceties were short-lived as Mark replied: 'Right, that's the last compliment you'll get.' Sadly, John didn't make it back to the table as Mark caught him at the table during his round. In the end, it was Raj, Danielle and Roger in the final Chase as they were playing to win a staggering £120,000 after Roger decided to go for Mark's high offer. Getting a three-step headstart, the team managed to answer 11 questions correctly, setting a target of 14 for the chaser to try and beat. With two minutes on the clock, Mark managed to catch the team with 47 seconds left on the clock to spare. Speaking about their performance, the quizzer, who has been part of the ITV show for 16 years, said: 'I'm sorry guys, the way they broke, either I knew them, or they were so tough you didn't stand a prayer at pushing me back.' Meanwhile, host Bradley Walsh said: 'We missed John Conteh, of course, you needed a full house, and we needed a bigger score on our side of that run, but that's just the way it is.' However, the ITV star informed the team that they won't be walking away empty handed as they'd each get £1,000 to give to their chosen charity. The Chase is available to watch on ITVX


Scottish Sun
34 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders reveals another shock return as Albert Square legend's son makes Walford comeback
The character was last seen on screen eight years ago Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS have revealed another shock return as an Albert Square legend's son makes a Walford comeback. Gorgeous Zoe Slater, best known for her explosive 'You ain't my mother!' showdown with Kat Slater, hit the square last week and now someone else is following in her footsteps. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 EastEnders have revealed another shock return as an Albert Square legend's son makes a Walford comeback Credit: PA 6 Pierre Moullier is playing Oscar Branning, the son of Max Branning and is to return to EastEnders for the first time in eight years Credit: PA 6 Oscar was last seen on screen in 2017 when he visited his father Max Credit: BBC Zoe was back as Kat married Alfie for the third time and prepares to take over the Queen Victoria pub. But now there's another shock return for the drama filled square. Oscar Branning is on his way home to Albert Square this summer, and where Oscar goes, trouble is not far behind. Oscar was last seen on screen in 2017 (played by twins Neo & Charlee Hall) when he made a brief visit to Max on Father's Day. However, just why he is returning and where he's been is set to be revealed when Lauren receives a mysterious call. Newcomer Pierre Moullier will play Oscar, who is now 17, as he arrives and turns Lauren's life upside down. EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: 'I'm very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he's all grown up. "Oscar is very much a Branning which means there's going to be plenty of drama in store this summer. "We're delighted to welcome Pierre as he takes on the role and can't wait for viewers to see him bring Oscar to life.' Pierre Moullier added: 'It's pretty surreal to join EastEnders - it keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square! Blackmail horror for EastEnders teenager as sexual predator Joel targets another victim "When I found out I was joining the Brannings, it was so exciting as they are such an iconic family, and I love that there are so many skeletons in the closet. "Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy!' Pierre has already started filming, and Oscar will return to our screens next month. Rumours are also rising that soap legend Jake Wood is making a shock return. EastEnders stars who QUIT MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year? The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a shock back-from-the-dead return to Albert Square last year. Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998. Yet what about the 2024 exits? Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how Stevie Mitchell had "quit" the long-running series. It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen. Bobby Beale actor Clay Milner Russell also left this year after five years in Walford. Fans also feared Martin Fowler actor James Bye would "quit out of boredom" over recent storylines. Additionally, a host of stars have quit the BBC soap for Hollywood fame. One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky. He played Stacey Slater's brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Captain Marvel. Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse. Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and he starred in Michael Bay's Netflix movie 6 Underground. Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005. She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008. The actor, 52, will reprise his role as love rat Max Branning later this year in dramatic scenes. Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other acting projects. A telly source said: 'Jake's return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show. 'It'll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character's reappearance means for spicing up the plots. 'There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.' Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap — except for the busy filming regime. He said: 'I don't miss the schedules. Anyone will tell you how hard they are and sort of all-consuming, but obviously I miss a lot of the people. 'When you're at the centre of a big storyline like EastEnders Christmas, something like that — it's a real thrill as an actor to be a part of that, big storylines, big characters." 6 Michelle Ryan returned as Zoe to the soap much to fans delight Credit: ITV 6 Speculation is rising that Max Branning will also be returning to the square Credit: BBC


Daily Mirror
38 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders brings back another blast from the past who promises to bring 'drama'
Oscar Branning is set to make a return to Albert Square since his last appearance in 2017 and Max Branning's son is set to turn the life of his sister Lauren upside down EastEnders is known for bringing back characters to Albert Square. And this time is no different as Oscar Branning is set to make a return to Walford after eight years away. Oscar is the son of Tanya and Max Branning but the mum of three fled Walford to get away from her toxic husband, with her young son in tow. Oscar has not been seen on screen since 2017 when he made a brief appearance on the BBC soap to celebrate Father's Day with his elated dad, in full view of other residents at the Queen Victoria pub. And while Oscar, who is now 17, has always been a little on the quieter side leaving the family drama in the hands of his parents and elder sisters, Lauren and Abi, it seems sparks are set to fly this time round. Speaking about Oscar's upcoming appearance played by Pierre Moullier, Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: "I'm very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he's all grown up." He added: "Oscar is very much a Branning which means there's going to be plenty of drama in store this summer. We're delighted to welcome Pierre as he takes on the role and can't wait for viewers to see him bring Oscar to life." And when asked how he felt to be joining an iconic soap, actor Pierre explained: "It's pretty surreal to join EastEnders - it keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square!" He went on to explain: "When I found out I was joining the Brannings, it was so exciting as they are such an iconic family, and I love that there are so many skeletons in the closet." He added: "Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy!" But Oscar's character is not the only one to have made a comeback, so too has Zoe Slater played by Michelle Ryan. Twenty years has passed since Michelle was last seen in Walford. And her most memorable scene was in 2001 when she screamed at Kat Slater in the middle of the square "you ain't my muvva." To which Kat emotionally responded: "Yes I am." But according to the BBC website, Michelle claimed that returning to the show was "like coming home." Ben Wadey said that before taking on the role of Executive Producer, Michelle's character Zoe was on his wish-list. He admitted to the website: "I was absolutely delighted when Michelle agreed to return, and I'm thrilled to welcome her back to Walford."