To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters has failed to impress fans, as the show was labelled rather dull – despite one celebrity being bitten by a shark in the first episode.
The new series Shark! Celebrity Infested Water kicked off on Monday night with the celebrities getting stuck into the ITV series, trying to promote the importance of shark preservation.
In the very first part of the show, the celebs were informed that they would be cage diving with bull sharks later that day in the tropical waters surrounding Bimini, in the Bahamas.
Of the famous faces, including Motherland star Lucy Punch, Comedian Sir Lenny Henry, McFly star Dougie Poynter, and Countdown’s Rachel Riley, it was Call the Midwife actress Helen George.
‘#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.
‘This must be the worst piece of telly have ITV have ever made, and THAT is saying something #sharkcelebrityinfestedwaters,’ said DylanDylan1909.
”Why are they putting the poor sharks through the trauma of these celebrities? #sharkcelebrityinfestedwaters,’ said CallMe_Governor.
‘Only 20 minutes in and I’m bored already!’ said GrantSRivers.
‘This has all the hallmarks of another “Genius Game” for itv #sharkcelebrityinfestedwaters,’ said PJDavies1962, comparing it to the negatively reviewed game show for ITV.
Towards the end of the episode, 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.
Fans were unfazed by this moment, but pointing out some of the stronger parts of the episodes, viewers praised ITV for making adjustments to the experience so Ade Adepitan, who is physically disabled, was able to participate fully.
‘I love how @AdeAdepitan is making sure that this show is making reasonable adjustments for people with a disability so they can face sharks too!’ said ciaraspinkpod.
Much of the episode focused on Helen. Within the first few minutes of the show, Helen admitted to the camera that she wasn’t just afraid of sharks, she also had a fear of water and struggles to keep her head underwater.
Helen and the other celebs revealed that she was surprised to confront sharks on the first day, assuming there would be a warm-up period before they actually got in the water with the sharks, and was the last celebrity to get in the sea.
Later that evening, the celebrities cheered as Helen joined them for drinks and toasted to her bravery.
‘I’m like Helen George in that I’m scared of water etc, and I most definitely couldn’t have done some of what she did so kudos to her. #sharkcelebrityinfestedwaters,’ said XxLadyClaireXx on X.
Ahead of the episode, Rachel spoke to Metro about her experience on the show and mentioned Helen’s bravery in the series.
‘What’s lovely about the show is we were a team and she’s the strongest person I know,’ says Rachel.
‘She’s had the biggest achievement out of all of us so we’re all really proud of her, to have the strength of character and strength of mind to not only overcome getting your face in the water, but to go out in the open ocean, take your mask off underwater, she did so much.’
Shark! Celebrity Infested Water is available to view on ITVX.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.