ITV orders ‘crossover’ format ‘Shark!’ from Plimsoll

Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters (Source: ITV)

UK broadcaster ITV has commissioned an “entertainment and wildlife crossover format” that will see celebrities attempting to overcome their fear of sharks, with the show timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Jaws.

Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters is being produced by ITV Studios-owned Plimsoll Productions (A Bug’s Life) with ITV Entertainment and will dare a group of ocean-phobic celebrities to confront sharks through a “challenge-heavy” journey in the Bahamas.

Celebrities will be tasked with diving with a different species of shark, with the breeds getting bigger and more dangerous each time.

Plimsoll is also currently pitching US-based commissioners with the format, which is sold by ITVS.

Karen Plumb, head of factual entertainment at Plimsoll, said: “We’re constantly looking for innovative approaches to wildlife storytelling and are certain that our fish-out-of-water spin – delivering 50 years after Jaws – will transform the world’s perception of these critical predators before it’s too late.”

Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment commissioning at ITV, added that the show “promises to be a once in a lifetime challenge for some of the bravest celebrities out there.”