So, who are the famous faces taking part?
Read on to learn more about the cast of Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters and what they’ve had to say about the series.
- Sir Lenny Henry
- Lucy Punch
- Helen George
- Rachel Riley
- Ade Adepitan
- Dougie Poynter
- Ross Noble
Sir Lenny Henry
Age: 66
Job: Comedian
Lenny Henry has done many things in his career, but diving into a shark’s natural environment probably wasn’t on his bingo card until he got the call.
When he was asked about taking part, the comedian explained: “When the question was put to me, ‘Would you like to go on an adventure of ecology and exploration involving sharks?’ I didn’t have that cartoon special effect where my eyeballs jumped out of my head. I actually considered it and thought, ‘Actually, I’d love to do that.'”
Lucy Punch
Age: 47
Job: Actor
Lucy Punch, best known for her various TV and movie roles, including more recently in Amandaland, was “really excited” about being part of a show like this one.
“It has an important message, and while traditional wildlife shows are preaching to the converted, the entertainment element of a show like this on ITV makes it family viewing and brings a whole new audience,” the actress explained of her taking part.
She added: “Aside from that, of course it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Although I had multiple reservations, I said yes almost immediately. I knew I’d regret missing out on such an insane, singular experience and it was that and more. It was everything it promised. Truly life changing.”
Helen George
Age: 41
Job: Actor
Instagram: @helenrgeorge
Helen George has been a mainstay on television screens since 2012, best known for her portrayal of Trixie in BBC One’s Call the Midwife.
For Helen, she is “quite scared” of swimming and began to question if it was a good idea to take part, but she was keen to push herself, so taking part “felt like a no-brainer”.
Rachel Riley
Age: 39
Job: TV presenter
Instagram: @rachelrileyrr
Rachel Riley is a TV presenter best known for co-presenter the Channel 4 series Countdown and its subsequent spin-off 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Reflecting on filming the series, Riley explained that for her, and the others, one reason they wanted to take part was the show’s “integrity”.
She explained: “It’s not about making us look silly or putting us through unnecessary ordeals for entertainment. We were there in the shark’s territory. We had to respect that and we were there to appreciate and enjoy it. We were a team.
“We weren’t competing against each other. No one was there worried about staying till next week because there were no eliminations. We were just all in it together and we all wanted to succeed together.”
Ade Adepitan
Age: 52
Job: TV presenter
Instagram: @adeadepitan
Many will recognise Ade Adepitan for his work across TV, having fronted the likes of Africa with Ade Adepitan, Climate Change: Ade on the Frontline and Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure.
For Ade, taking part in the series was “an opportunity of a lifetime”, as it’s not every day you get asked to dive with sharks in the Bahamas.
“I’m a big environmentalist too, so there was an important message also at the heart of the programme,” he added.
Dougie Poynter
Age: 37
Job: Musician
Instagram: @idougahole
Dougie Poynter is best known for being one member of McFly and one of the many kings of the jungle after winning I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2011.
After taking part in the series, Dougie came to the realisation he “should do more stuff with nature”, whether it be on holiday or another TV show.
He described the feeling as though he switches “into this other person and any other worries completely disappear”.
He added: “I feel connected, back to what I think we actually are, just creatures of Earth, without sounding cheesy. I’m sharing the planet with all these other things that are way more fascinating than myself.”
Ross Noble
Age: 49
Job: Comedian
Instagram: @mrrossnoble
Ross Noble is a stand-up comedian and actor, who has notably appeared on Have I Got News for You.
Ross described the experience as one of the best things he has ever done, adding: “I know people say this all of the time, but we all just got on.”
Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters will air on ITV and ITVX from Monday 14th July at 9pm.
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