Ross Noble to Headline Shark Trust's For the Love of Sharks

Award-winning comedian and ITV shark-diving participant Ross Noble will headline the Shark Trust’s flagship conservation event this November, joining marine biologist Tom “The Blowfish” Hird for an evening celebrating sharks, science and ocean conservation.

The UK’s leading shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, has announced the return of its annual For the Love of Sharks event, bringing together conservationists, divers, photographers and shark enthusiasts for an evening dedicated to some of the ocean’s most misunderstood animals.

Taking place at the Royal Geographical Society in London on Friday 27 November 2026, the event promises a mix of inspiring talks, behind-the-scenes television stories, conservation updates and the live presentation of the Shark Photographer of the Year 2026 awards.

Ross Noble Brings a New Perspective on Sharks

One of the evening’s biggest draws will be Ross Noble, the award-winning comedian and actor who surprised many viewers earlier this year when he took part in ITV’s Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters.

Although he had never scuba dived before filming the series, Noble says the experience completely changed his perception of sharks and the underwater world.

“I had never dived before filming Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters. Learning to dive and going diving with sharks in The Bahamas was genuinely life changing. It opened my eyes to the underwater world, and how amazing sharks are. I’m delighted to be supporting the Shark Trust and can’t wait to share my experience with the For the Love of Sharks audience in November!”

For many non-divers, experiences like Noble’s demonstrate how direct encounters with sharks often replace fear with fascination – an important message for conservation organisations working to improve public understanding of these increasingly threatened species.

Netflix’s “The Blowfish” Also Confirmed

Joining Noble on stage will be Tom “The Blowfish” Hird, marine biologist, broadcaster and presenter of Netflix’s All The Sharks.

A long-time supporter and Ambassador of the Shark Trust, Hird is well known for combining marine science with humour and enthusiasm, helping introduce wider audiences to the remarkable diversity of sharks and other marine life.

The event’s “Sharks on Our Screens” panel will explore how recent television productions have helped bring shark conservation into mainstream entertainment, potentially reaching audiences far beyond the traditional diving community.

More Than Just Guest Speakers

While celebrity appearances are expected to attract many visitors, For the Love of Sharks is firmly rooted in conservation.

The evening will also feature:

Live announcement of the Shark Photographer of the Year 2026 winners.
Presentations from the Shark Trust team on major shark conservation developments during 2026.
Opportunities to meet Shark Trust staff, supporters and conservation partners.
Shark-themed shopping and displays from Brand Partners.
Additional guest speakers, with further announcements expected before the event.

Why Events Like This Matter

Around the world, many shark and ray species continue to face mounting pressure from overfishing, habitat degradation and the international fin trade. Public engagement remains one of the most effective ways to build support for marine conservation.

Events such as For the Love of Sharks provide an opportunity for scientists, divers, photographers and ocean advocates to share stories that inspire action while celebrating the incredible biodiversity of our oceans.

For divers especially, sharks often represent some of the most memorable underwater encounters, making conservation efforts closely aligned with protecting the future of recreational diving destinations worldwide.