STARS will dive into the deep end in a jaws-dropping new reality show, Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters.
Plucky a-listers will be forced to risk their lives as they swim with the man-eating fish, each episode facing a bigger and bigger species.
The ITV show will be filmed later this year to coincide with the 50th anniversary of blockbuster Jaws, in an area of the Bahamas so prolific for the beasts, it is called the Shark Tank.
Insiders say the challenges will blow every other challenge show like SAS: Who Dares Wins and I’m A Celebrity’s Bushtucker trials out the water.
A source said: “Shark! Celebrity Infested Water will literally do what it says on the tin but in the most jaw-dropping way possible.
“Very few people have the guts to scuba dive, never mind swim with sharks but a group of celebrities will be called on to do just that.
“It’s very early days and hasn’t even been cast yet.”
As well as the celeb trials, the programme will carry an important marine conservation message.
The source added: “ITV and Plimsoll Productions are hoping to book a high-profile naturalist to provide a weighty voiceover and deliver that conservation message to viewers.
“The entertainment and wildlife crossover is going to be a lot of fun but hopefully also really educate at a time when our marine life needs it most.”
Bimini, the Bahamas island where the show will be filmed, is home to around ten different shark types including Hammerheads, Bull sharks and Tiger sharks.
Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning ITV said: “We’re super excited to be combining the work of Plimsoll – a Blue Chip natural history production company – with the expertise of ITV Entertainment.
“SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters promises to be a once in a lifetime challenge for some of the bravest celebrities out there.”
Karen Plumb, Head of Factual Entertainment, Plimsoll Productions, who are pitching a version to US channels as well, added: “The team at Plimsoll is uniquely positioned to pioneer this format that blends conservation with wildly entertaining pop culture.
“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.”
