ITV viewers 'switch off' minutes into Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters in major complaint

ITV premiered their brand new gripping reality show, Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, which sees famous faces tackle their fears and dive into the ocean that sharks call home. On the 50th anniversary of the Steven Spielberg classic, Jaws, seven celebrities arrived in the Bahamas to take on different challenges in the shark capital.

The star-studded line-up included presenter Ade Adepitan, Call the Midwife star Helen George, comedians Sir Lenny Henry and Ross Noble, McFly's Dougie Pointer, Amandaland star Lucy Punch and Countdown's Rachel Riley. However, as the stars took on the dangerous journey, many viewers admitted they were underwhelmed and switched off the programme. One stated: "Need to switch over. The 'celebs' are such a turn off."

Another complained: "Only 20 minutes in and I'm bored already!" As another sarcastically added: "Idea, let's make a show with celebrities swimming with sharks."

"I really like sharks. The only way this could be entertaining is if one of the celebrities gets eaten," said a fourth.

While one viewer questioned the ethics of the programme: "Can't we leave these beautiful creatures alone... ITV what the f*** are you doing. TV for morons."

"New Game Show Idea. Get celebrities to do what normal people pay to do on holiday. Oh, they already are... #sharkcelebrityinfestedwaters," joked one.

As another reviewed: "#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."

Others praised ITV's latest offering as one gushed: "I'm loving it," while another suggested, "It's a good fun. Would have also made a great documentary."

Helping the celebrities along the way are three experts, shark scientist Dr. Tristan Guttridge, marine biologist Danni Washington, and shark-attack survivor Paul, an ex-military Australian who lost a leg and a hand during a shark attack and subsequently dedicated his life to the conservation of sharks.

During the episode, Call the Midwife star Helen George opened up about her fear and revealed that her children's love of open water motivated her to face the challenge.

After the group was told they were getting straight into the water, a tear could be seen rolling down her face. The actress confessed: "I'm just really surprised that this is happening today. I thought we'd just be getting used to the water at this point, and then the sharks would come much later down the line.

"I have a problem with water, getting my head under water is a massive thing for me to start with." Speaking to Danni, Helen revealed: "I have two young children who love to swim, and at the moment I can't get in the sea with them because I'm so scared, and I can't let them be in the sea without me. So I have to do this."