IT was the bizarre star-studded reality show that helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of hit movie Jaws.
But I can reveal that ITV‘s Shark! Celebrity infested Waters has sunk without a trace and been axed after just one series.
It aired in July and featured seven big names including actor/comedian Sir Lenny Henry, Call the Midwife‘s Helen George and McFly‘s Dougie Poynter heading to the Bahamas.
There, they were inducted into the world of sharks and challenged to get in the water with the “maneaters” in a bid to overcome their fears and preconceptions.
A TV insider said: “The show wasn’t cheap to make given the amount of celebrities involved and the fact that they were all flown out to the Caribbean.
“A second series might have been a possibility if the ratings made it worthwhile, but another outing couldn’t be justified on that basis.”
The first episode of the three-part show only, which also featured comedian Ross Noble and actress Lucy Punch had 1.5m viewers.
It was tied to the fact that, in the summer of 1975, the world had been terrified by Steven Spielberg‘s landmark movie Jaws, which gave sharks a bad name for the next half a century.
This show attempted to undo some of the harm done by the film.
But by the end of the series the viewing figures had fallen to 1.25m and it’s fair to say it received very mixed views.
Though the consensus was that the premise of the programme was worthy.
A spokeswoman for ITV confirmed there wouldn’t be a second series, adding: “The intention with this series was always to make a splash, raise awareness of shark conservation and change people’s perception of these majestic creatures and we’re proud we achieved that”.
One shock moment in the series saw comedian Ross Noble, 49, be bitten by a shark.
Speaking afterwards, Ross said in a very calm voice: “A shark just bit me.”
Viewers struggled to warm to the programme, with some branding it as “pointless TV” following the debut episode.
One wrote on X: “Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is single proof that television is at an all time pointless low.”
Another added: “Ok I get it, they’re huge with razor sharp teeth but why is they’re always that one f*****g celebrity that cry’s/shakes/ terrified…
“They’re not going to let you die, ( saying that i wouldn’t do it) #sharkcelebrityinfestedwaters.”
A third said: “So ….. i probably won’t recognise any celebrities, the sharks will find them tasteless….. and none of them are gonna be eaten. #pointless New TV series tonight.”
Although others were more complimentary, as one penned: “This new show is very eye opening and I have already learnt a lot aboutsharks on the first episode…..”
“Celeb Shark Infested Water is nay too shabby TV tbf”, a second viewer agreed.
Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is available to watch on ITVX.
