An ITV series that saw viewers binge every episode has been axed after just its first season.
Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters featured seven celebrities as they embarked on a journey to conquer their phobias of sharks and the ocean.
Boasting a host of famous faces, such as Motherland star Lucy Punch, Comedian Sir Lenny Henry, McFly star Dougie Poynter, and Countdown’s Rachel Riley, the celebrities tried to promote the importance of shark preservation by swimming with the toothy terrors.
Now, however, it has been revealed that the show has been cancelled after failing to connect with viewers.
A source told The Sun: ‘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.’
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![From Plimsoll Productions Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters: SR1 on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: Ade Adepitan, Ross Noble, Helen George, Sir Lenny Henry, Lucy Punch, Dougie Poynter and Rachel RIley. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc/Plimsoll Productions and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SEI_259173753-c32d.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
An ITV spokesperson told Metro: ‘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.’
The series, which first aired in July earlier this year, also featured broadcaster Ade Adepitan, comedian Ross Noble and Call The Midwife’s Helen George.
Originally, fans provided some pretty mixed opinions when the show was on TV.
@Bill626 said: ‘Me: I can’t stand celebrity reality shows. Also me: Just watched all 5 episodes of this in a day on @itvx.’
‘Somehow I’m watching a TV show called Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters,’ wrote @Jasonbuckner104 on X. at the time ‘Yes, I’m questioning my own sanity.’
‘#SharkCelebrityInfestedWaters – cumbersome title. Good lineup. It’s not a schlocky competition-type show, and I’m not really sure why it’s happening. So far, not particularly fun or interesting… I want it to ramp up a gear,’ said MatthewRimmer on X.
Meanwhile, DylanDylan1909 argued: ‘This must be the worst piece of telly [that] ITV have ever made, and THAT is saying something #sharkcelebrityinfestedwaters.’
At one point in the series, comedian Ross was bitten by a lemon shark and the group had to retreat from the sea as the instructors decided that things had got a little bit intense.
Although the comedian was unscathed, with the shark only nipping at his wetsuit, the celebs were shaken by the event, which had escalated so quickly.
Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is available to stream on ITVX.
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