Steve Backshall is a BAFTA-winning British naturalist, explorer and television presenter, best known for the CBBC series Deadly 60. He has spent decades bringing the world’s most dangerous and fascinating creatures into living rooms, while also building a reputation as a dedicated conservationist. Married to Olympic rower Helen Glover, Backshall remains one of the most active figures in wildlife television, with new projects and live tours continuing into 2025.
Born in Bagshot, Surrey, in 1973, his early passion for exotic places was fuelled by his parents’ jobs with British Airways. After studying English and Theatre Studies at Exeter University, he later completed a biology degree with the Open University and earned a black belt in martial arts in Japan. His career began with travel guidebooks and a stint as National Geographic’s “Adventurer in Residence” in Colombia, before joining the BBC’s The Really Wild Show in 2003.
Today, Backshall is as busy as ever. He is presenting Fierce on ITV from April 2025, writing the fourth book in his Falcon Chronicles series, and continuing his conservation work with organisations such as the World Land Trust and the Earthshot Prize. This article brings together verified facts about his personal life, career milestones, current projects, and the questions most frequently asked about him online.
Who Is Steve Backshall’s Wife?
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen James Backshall |
| Born | 21 April 1973 (age 51–52) |
| Known For | Deadly 60, wildlife presenting, exploration |
| Current Status | Active – touring, filming, conservation work |
Key Insights
- Steve Backshall married Olympic rower Helen Glover on 10 September 2016 after proposing in Namibia in 2015.
- The couple have three children together – two sons and one daughter.
- Helen Glover is a double Olympic gold medalist in rowing (2012, 2016). The pair met in 2014 during a Sport Relief rowing expedition across the English Channel.
- Height is listed at 5 ft 11½ in (1.82 m) on IMDb, though some sources give slightly different figures.
- Net worth is not publicly confirmed; estimates typically range between £1 million and £3 million, based on TV work, book sales and live tours.
- He holds a black belt in martial arts and is an accomplished rock climber, mountaineer, marathon runner, ice-climber, kayaker and cyclist.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Bagshot, Surrey, England |
| Spouse | Helen Glover (m. 2016) |
| Children | Two sons and one daughter |
| Height | Approx. 1.82 m (5 ft 11½ in) |
| Net Worth | Estimated £1–3 million (not officially disclosed) |
| Notable Series | Deadly 60, Live ‘n’ Deadly, Lost Land of the…, Expedition |
| Awards | Two BAFTAs (2011), Blue Peter Gold Badge, MBE (2020) |
| Education | English & Theatre Studies (Exeter), Biology (Open University), martial arts black belt (Japan) |
Information on any previous marriage is not widely documented. Some sources hint at a prior relationship, but no confirmed details have been publicly shared by Backshall himself. The only recognised spouse is Helen Glover.
The couple met in 2014 during a Sport Relief rowing challenge. Glover is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and has been a key supporter of Backshall’s conservation work. They live with their three children and keep their family life relatively private.
What Is Steve Backshall Doing Now?
Current Television Projects
Backshall’s newest major series is Fierce, a six-part programme on ITV that premieres in April 2025. The show focuses on dangerous wildlife and continues his trademark style of close encounters with predators. He also recently fronted Extreme Mountain Challenge on BBC Two (2024–2025) and presented Whale with Steve Backshall in 2023. Our Changing Planet (2022) tackled climate issues and was broadcast on multiple networks.
Live Tours and Events
Backshall regularly tours the UK with live Q&A events that can attract up to 14,000 attendees per show. These events combine wildlife education, storytelling, and sometimes live animal encounters. The most recent tour, Deadly: The Ultimate Tour, ran through 2023 and 2024, but no confirmed 2026 tour dates have been announced yet. Future live appearances are typically listed through his official website and speaking agencies such as Chartwell Speakers and London Keynote Speakers Agency.
For the most up-to-date tour announcements and behind-the-scenes content, his verified Instagram account (@backshall.steve) and official YouTube channel are the best sources. Tickets for live events often sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.
Writing and Conservation
Backshall is currently writing Shark Seas, the fourth book in his Falcon Chronicles series for children. He continues to serve as a patron of the World Land Trust and is involved with Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, promoting environmental action through initiatives such as Blue Peter. He is also president of several wildlife charities, including the Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust and Buglife.
Connection to Longleat
Despite some online speculation, there is no documented link between Steve Backshall and Longleat Safari Park in Somerset. His known association is with Natural World Safaris, which arranged his 2015 trip to Namibia where he proposed to Helen Glover. Any Longleat appearances would be one-off events, but no credible source confirms a formal connection.
Some websites associate Backshall with Longleat, but no reliable source – including his official website, Wikipedia, or major media outlets – lists a partnership or regular appearances. Treat such claims with caution unless confirmed by an official announcement.
What Are the Key Milestones in Steve Backshall’s Life?
- 1973 – Born on 21 April in Bagshot, Surrey.
- 1998 – Began his career as a writer and researcher for the BBC.
- 2003 – First major presenting role on The Really Wild Show.
- 2008 – Deadly 60 first airs, making him a household name.
- 2011 – Wins two BAFTAs for Deadly 60.
- 2016 – Marries Olympic rower Helen Glover on 10 September.
- 2018 – Becomes patron of the World Land Trust.
- 2020 – Awarded MBE for services to charity and wildlife conservation.
- 2023 – Embarks on Deadly: The Ultimate Tour across the UK.
- 2025 – Premieres Fierce on ITV and continues writing Shark Seas.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Steve Backshall?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Married to Helen Glover since 2016. | Exact net worth is not publicly confirmed; estimates are speculative. |
| Has three children. | Height varies by source (1.82 m on IMDb, 1.78 m elsewhere). |
| Born 21 April 1973 in Bagshot, Surrey. | Any previous marriage is not widely documented; details are scarce. |
| Hosted Deadly 60 and won two BAFTAs. | Longleat connection is unverified – no credible source confirms it. |
| MBE awarded in 2020. | No confirmed tour dates beyond 2025 at the time of writing. |
Why Is Steve Backshall So Influential as a Naturalist?
Backshall’s appeal lies in his ability to blend high-energy adventure with genuine educational value. Deadly 60 inspired a generation of young viewers to take an interest in wildlife, offering a grittier, more hands-on alternative to traditional nature documentaries. For an in-depth look at his most famous programme, read our Deadly 60 series overview. His expeditions to remote locations – such as the 2018–2019 Expedition series – have showcased environments rarely seen on mainstream television.
Unlike many presenters, Backshall also maintains a strong physical presence: he is a climber, mountaineer, and marathon runner, which adds authenticity to his on-screen adventures. His conservation advocacy, through roles as patron of multiple wildlife trusts and his involvement with the Earthshot Prize, extends his influence beyond entertainment. Comparisons with David Attenborough and Chris Packham are common, but Backshall occupies a distinct niche focused on younger audiences and direct, immersive encounters with animals.
In 2025, his relevance continues through new television series, live tours, and social media engagement. His Instagram account has over 694,000 followers, and his YouTube channel regularly posts clips from his programmes, keeping him connected with a digital-native audience. This multi-platform presence ensures his message reaches both traditional TV viewers and online users.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Steve Backshall?
“Stephen James Backshall (born 21 April 1973) is an English naturalist, explorer, presenter and writer.”
– Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org
“The official website of Steve Backshall – one of TV’s best-known wildlife presenters.”
“Steve Backshall is an adventurer, conservationist, television presenter and author with a profound passion for the natural world.”
– World Land Trust, worldlandtrust.org
For visual updates and behind-the-scenes content, his verified Instagram account and official YouTube channel are authoritative. Additional biographical details can be found on the BBC’s programme profile page and at Natural World Safaris.
What Should You Know About Steve Backshall in 2025?
Steve Backshall remains one of the most active and versatile figures in wildlife television. As of 2025, he is presenting Fierce on ITV, writing the next Falcon Chronicles book, and continuing his conservation work with the World Land Trust and Earthshot Prize. While his net worth and exact height are not officially confirmed, his personal life is well documented: he is married to Olympic rower Helen Glover and has three children. For context on his place among nature presenters, see our ranking of the Top wildlife presenters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Steve Backshall have children?
Yes, he has three children with wife Helen Glover.
Is Steve Backshall still making Deadly 60?
He occasionally returns for specials, but the core series concluded. He now tours and creates other content.
What awards has Steve Backshall won?
He has won two BAFTAs (2011), received the Blue Peter Gold Badge, and was awarded an MBE in 2020.
Does Steve Backshall have a YouTube channel?
Yes, his official YouTube channel features clips from Deadly 60 and other adventures.
How tall is Steve Backshall?
His height is listed as 5 ft 11½ in (1.82 m) on IMDb, though some sources give 5 ft 10 in.
What is Steve Backshall’s net worth?
Not publicly disclosed. Estimates range from £1 million to £3 million from TV, books, and tours.
Who is Steve Backshall’s ex-wife?
No confirmed details about a previous marriage have been publicly shared. His only recognised spouse is Helen Glover.
Does Steve Backshall tour the UK?
Yes, he regularly hosts live Q&A events with up to 14,000 attendees. Check his official website for dates.
What is Steve Backshall’s connection to Longleat?
No credible source confirms a formal link. He is associated with Natural World Safaris, not Longleat.
What is Steve Backshall doing in 2025?
He is presenting Fierce on ITV, writing Shark Seas, and continuing conservation work with World Land Trust and Earthshot.
Jack Thomas Clarke Thompson is a staff writer for PopCultureDaily.co.uk, covering entertainment news, film, television, streaming and celebrity culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Harriet Winslow and Managing Editor Lucas Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.