ITV show dealt crushing blow as it's cancelled after just one series

ITV's unusual reality programme that was launched to mark the 50th anniversary of Jaws has been cancelled after only one series. Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters has failed to endure, unlike the film that inspired it, according to reports. The programme broadcast in July and featured well-known personalities including McFly's Dougie Poynter, comedian Sir Lenny Henry, and Call the Midwife actress Helen George.

The celebrity-packed lineup all travelled to the Bahamas where they encountered shark-filled waters and were dared to swim alongside the predators. The concept aimed to help participants conquer their anxieties and misconceptions about these marine animals. A television source revealed to 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."

The programme was broadcast across three episodes with the opening segment featuring Ross Noble and Lucy Punch attracting 1.5million viewers. The series was connected to the summer 1975 launch of Steven Spielberg's legendary blockbuster Jaws, The Mirror reports.

ITV

The star-studded cast didn't help to lure in viewers (Image: ITV)

The film created a taboo around sharks for decades to follow with the reality series hoping to change views it had perpetuated. As the series progressed viewing figures dropped to around 1.25million and reviews were very mixed.

A source confirmed to the Mirror that there are no plans for a second series: "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".

They also disclosed that the programme has been secured for transmission in Australia. Despite the polarised response, one jaw-dropping moment that generated buzz saw comedian Ross Noble, 49, receive a bite from a shark whilst filming.

At the time he remained composed, stating: "A shark just bit me." However, viewers found it hard to get on board with the concept and slammed the series for being "pointless" after its debut episode.

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This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 00:01 Tuesday 15th July 2025From Plimsoll ProductionsShark! Celebrity Infested Waters: SR1 Ep2 on ITV1 and ITVXPictured: LennyThis 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 (Image: ITV)

One posted on X: "Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is single proof that television is at an all time pointless low."

Another commented: "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 shared: "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."

Yet not everyone offered critical feedback as one supporter wrote: "This new show is very eye opening and I have already learnt a lot about sharks on the first episode."

Another remarked: "Celeb Shark Infested Water is nay too shabby TV tbf."

Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is streaming now on ITVX.