Series Synopsis
In this bold, high-octane new series, a group of high profile Australians — Scott Cam, Ariarne Titmus, Lynne McGranger, Matt Nable, Sam Thaiday and Tammy Hembrow — travel to Bimini in the Bahamas, the shark diving capital of the world, to confront one of humanity’s most primal fears: sharks.
Renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters, vibrant reefs and extraordinary abundance of marine life, Bimini is home to up to 40 species of shark. While it may be paradise for divers, for these celebrities it becomes the ultimate testing ground — a place where they are pushed far beyond their comfort zones to face their fears through a series of escalating challenges designed to test their courage, resilience and trust.
Leading them on this journey are Australian shark attack survivor and former Navy clearance diver Paul de Gelder, who lost his right hand and leg in a Sydney Harbour bull shark attack and is now a passionate shark conservation advocate; and Annie Guttridge, a shark researcher and photographer whose expertise helps to reveal the truth behind these often misunderstood predators. Together, Paul and Annie guide the brave but not fearless celebrities through a series of unforgettable encounters, challenging long-held fears in an attempt to replace myth with understanding.
From open-water dives and close encounters with reef sharks to facing the raw power of great hammerheads, bull sharks and tiger sharks, each challenge builds toward the ultimate goal: swimming outside of a cage with tiger sharks, one of the ocean’s most formidable, feared and misunderstood apex predators.
But this is more than an adrenaline-fuelled adventure.
As the celebrities confront their fears in the water, they begin a deeply personal emotional journey on land. Panic gives way to confidence, vulnerability becomes strength, and fear is transformed into respect. With every encounter they gain a greater understanding not only of sharks but of their own capacity for courage.
Blending heart-pounding adventure and never-before-seen emotional celebrity storytelling, this series explores what happens when people come face to face with what terrifies them most. The result is a transformative experience that delivers excitement, emotional revelation, and a powerful message about the importance of protecting one of the ocean’s most vital predators.
Experts
Paul de Gelder
A former elite soldier and Navy clearance diver, Paul’s life changed forever in 2009. During a routine Navy training exercise in Sydney Harbour, he was attacked by a three-metre bull shark — a harrowing encounter that cost him his right hand and right hamstring.
After surviving the impossible and undergoing a leg amputation, Paul recovered from his injuries and did more than just survive; he evolved. Moving past the trauma, he has become one of the world’s leading shark advocates, shifting his mission from combat to conservation and trading his military career for a life spent defending the very predators that nearly took his life.
Now an accomplished host, author and actor, Paul has featured in numerous documentaries and is a household name for fans of the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. His journey of resilience has taken him from the depths of the ocean to global podiums as a motivational speaker, sharing his story with audiences ranging from major corporations to the United Nations.
Joining SHARK!, Paul brings unparalleled expertise and a unique perspective to the series. He will serve as a mentor, guiding the celebrities through their experience.
Annie Guttridge
A dedicated shark conservationist, Annie has spent years researching in the field. After realising her love for the ocean at a young age, she became a marine advocate and educator, ultimately discovering her true passion: sharks.
An award-winning photographer whose work has placed in several high-calibre international photography competitions, she has travelled the globe documenting the underwater world. A familiar face to shark enthusiasts, Annie has appeared on the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, had her work featured by popular brands such as National Geographic, and is a highly skilled expert in both freediving and scuba diving.
While raising two children, Annie and her husband spent many years living and working in the Bahamas. They continue their mission in the region through their non-profit, “Saving the Blue”, for which they conduct scientific research to restore and recover threatened marine species.
Bringing her deep roots in Bimini and her infectious energy to SHARK!, Annie provides the firsthand knowledge and field experience necessary to guide the celebrities through the Bahamian waters and the incredible creatures that call them home.
Celebrities
Ariarne Titmus
One of Australia’s most-loved swimming heroes, Ariarne is a world record holder and four-time Olympic gold medallist. She has faced the toughest competitors in the world, yet nothing has pushed her quite like the prospect of facing her fear of sharks. Despite a career defined by dominance in the water, she admits that sharks remain her greatest fear.
While Ariarne is at home in the pool, the unknown beneath the ocean’s surface is a lifelong phobia that paralyses her. To take part in SHARK!, she must leverage the mental strength that made her a champion to confront a terror that feels far more daunting than any Olympic final.
Known for her tenacity, Ariarne hopes to dig deep to get herself into the water. By leaning on her fellow celebrities and the experts, she aims to face the creatures that terrify her, hoping to gain a newfound appreciation for them and push herself well beyond her comfort zone.
Recently retired from professional swimming, Ariarne still holds several world records and remains one of the sport’s biggest global names. She is also the recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Lynne McGranger
With her infectious, positive energy, Lynne is facing the ultimate challenge by diving with sharks – and she couldn’t be more excited.
A fixture of Australian television for over 30 years, Lynne may have departed from her famous role in Home and Away in 2025, but she is far from finished. She enters this experience with an open mind and a powerful mission: to inspire and prove to older women that they can do anything.
While the technical diving gear and gadgets make her the most nervous, Lynne plans to be the group’s ultimate cheerleader, encouraging her fellow celebrities throughout the series.
The 2025 TV Week Gold Logie winner and TV Week Silver Logie recipient for Best Actress in a Drama, Lynne was born and raised in Sydney. Having grown up on the beaches, she has always been aware of the dangers of the ocean, and she is now intrigued to learn more about sharks and the deep blue sea.
Tammy Hembrow
One of the most confident celebrities arriving in Bimini, Tammy is one of the world’s biggest influencers on social media with a following of over 16 million.
A Gold Coast local and mother of three, Tammy discovered a passion for diving in the lead-up to her arrival in the Bahamas, which has filled her with confidence to face what is to come. While she is naturally adventurous, her only concern is leaving her young children behind. But she knows that completing this experience will make them proud.
An internationally recognised entrepreneur and fitness icon, Tammy has lived in the public eye for years. Despite her fame, she has never shown this raw, personal side before, and she accepted this challenge to push herself and take on something new.
As the CEO of Tammy Fit, one of the world’s leading fitness and wellness platforms, Tammy has become a respected voice in health and wellness.
Scott Cam
One of Australia’s favourite personalities, Scott comes from a long line of fishermen and a beach-loving Sydney family.
Having been taught about the dangers of sharks from a young age, Scott enters this experience with genuine hesitation. However, despite his own fears, he is determined to encourage his fellow celebrities through the journey.
As the host of The Block for 21 seasons, Scott is a TV Week Gold Logie winner and has been a fixture of Australian television for over 25 years, appearing on other shows such as Backyard Blitz, Reno Rumble and Domestic Blitz.
While he has never experienced anything quite like SHARK! before, Scott views this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – and one that will make his children and grandchildren proud.
Sam Thaiday
A former captain of the Brisbane Broncos, Sam enters this experience with zero fear. He is most looking forward to discovering a spiritual connection to his heritage, as the hammerhead shark is his family’s totem.
Known as the “Shark Whisperer”, Sam hopes to make his children proud by teaching them not to fear the unknown. With his fun and excitable attitude, he plans to help the others face their own deep-sea phobias.
Sam’s NRL career began in 2003 with the Broncos, who he led to a premiership victory in 2006. He represented Queensland in 29 State of Origin matches and wore the green and gold for Australia.
Since retiring from the NRL in 2018, Sam has built a media career with the 9Network, hosted his own show on Nova, and appeared on numerous television series.
Matt Nable
Matt has played tough guys across film and television, but he has never faced a challenge quite like SHARK!.
Despite a life spent around the ocean, Matt admits that his fear of sharks has only intensified with age. Understandably, his anxiety grew after several close friends knew a recent Sydney shark attack victim, with the tragedy hitting close to home. Combined with a recent spate of attacks in Australian waters, Matt is now determined to push through his fear to find respect for sharks.
A respected actor and author, Matt has appeared in series and films such as Apple Cider Vinegar, Last King of the Cross, Underbelly, and Netflix’s recent shark thriller, Thrash. A former professional rugby league player, he has also channelled his creativity into writing novels, including his upcoming crime thriller, Mire.
Beyond the physical challenge, Matt’s journey is deeply personal. After losing his brother to Motor Neurone Disease, he is taking on this opportunity in his honour to raise awareness for MND research.
