Sources say the complete cast for the unusual new reality show, Shark!, has been announced. The show, which will air on Channel Nine later this year, will be hosted by Scott Cam, known for his work on The Block.
According to a source at Daily Mail, the upcoming show—a spin-off of Married at First Sight—will feature well-known personalities confronting their fears by swimming with sharks.
The series will also feature well-known personalities like Tammy Hembrow, Sam Thaiday, Matt Nable, Ariarne Titmus, and Lynne McGranger from Home and Away.
Lynne, age 73, recently finished playing Irene Roberts on the popular soap opera, and her casting is considered a surprising one.
Her move to Nine has surprised some, especially considering her long career at Seven – it’s her first significant position with a competing network since leaving.
A TV source told the Daily Mail that it’s a significant move for someone previously known for their work on the show ‘Seven’ to now be joining ‘Nine’.
‘It suggests things weren’t left nearly as well as the public was led to believe.’
Although Lynne publicly expressed gratitude to the Home and Away team after Irene’s emotional exit, rumors suggest things weren’t so positive behind the scenes.
Several reports indicate the network, rather than the actress Lynne, decided to remove her character, Irene, from the show.
‘There’s a growing belief she didn’t choose to leave,’ the insider revealed.
Viewers will learn the full story when the show Shark! begins airing. Lynne is anticipated to finally explain what actually occurred.
‘It seems unlikely McGranger left Home and Away to be a reality TV star.’
When Irene left the show, many loyal viewers were upset, feeling that Channel Seven had gotten rid of a beloved and recognizable character.
The show publicized her departure with emotional storylines and special episodes, which critics felt exploited fans’ feelings for ratings.
The gathering seemed like a celebration of Irene’s life, because everyone adored her. However, those involved knew it wasn’t as joyful as it appeared.
Many people in the television industry view Lynne’s work with the competing network as a subtle but meaningful signal.
According to a source, if she truly loved her ending on Home and Away, it’s surprising she’s already moving on to a new project so quickly.
‘This feels like someone moving on after being hurt.’
Many fans are discussing online whether Irene’s departure from the show was due to budget issues or changes in the plot, instead of her own decision.
And insiders claim Shark! may become the platform where Lynne finally sets the record straight.
According to one source, she’s maintained a dignified public image. However, those who know her suggest she’s prepared to speak out when she feels the moment is right.
People are talking not only about Lynne being on the new reality show, but also about why its release has been pushed back to the end of the year.
Nine has reportedly delayed the release of its new show due to increased concern after several serious shark attacks in Australia.
Everyone expected this ambitious new show to be the network’s next big success, and it was initially planned to premiere immediately following ‘Married At First Sight’ in 2026.
However, people working within the television industry have confirmed the show has been moved from its original, highly visible time slot because executives are trying to prevent a public backlash.
As a lifestyle expert who often talks about enjoying the outdoors, I’ve been following the recent concerns about shark encounters with a heavy heart. Following the tragic loss of a young boy in Sydney, there’s understandably been a lot of national discussion about safety when we’re in the ocean, and that’s led to some temporary adjustments to water activities. It’s a sensitive time, and prioritizing safety is key while we navigate these concerns.
Because of all the recent news about shark attacks, television executives reportedly started to have second thoughts about airing a show featuring celebrities swimming with sharks.
‘The timing suddenly felt completely wrong,’ a source close to production reveals.
Nine was planning a shark-themed show at a really insensitive time, while families were still dealing with recent losses. It just felt wrong.
Shot on location in the Bahamas, Shark! features celebrities facing their fears as they swim with sharks, aided by experienced marine biologists.
The show aimed to be exciting, moving, and uplifting, but viewers’ reactions changed when shark attacks started happening frequently and became major news stories.
‘What was once exciting suddenly felt insensitive,’ the source said.
It didn’t look good to see celebrities panicking in the water while the nation was grieving those who had actually suffered loss.
Channel Nine executives reportedly decided to delay the show’s release and have kept this decision private.
‘They didn’t want outrage before the first episode even aired,’ the insider added.
This decision follows growing worries within the industry about shows featuring celebrities and sharks, which haven’t been successful in other countries.
Ugh, it’s still so frustrating! They just canceled the international versions – both the US and UK ones – after only one season! It’s ridiculous, they did a ton of promotion, but apparently nobody was watching. I just don’t get it! It was amazing, and they just… axed it. So unfair!
Honestly, those shows just didn’t seem to resonate with people, and that put Nine in a tough spot from the start. It felt like they were already taking a big risk, and then the shark attack incidents just piled on even more uncertainty. It was a really precarious situation for them.
Because the public was already anxious, company leaders feared the show would fail and lose viewers instead of becoming popular.
Launching a show about sharks at a time when everyone is already anxious was a bad idea, according to one insider.
Although the network hasn’t officially explained the delay, industry insiders believe it’s not simply a matter of being considerate.
‘This was one of Nine’s biggest new productions for 2026,’ an industry insider explains.
‘Huge budget, overseas filming, massive expectations. They can’t afford for it to flop.’
Company leaders are now hoping the public’s initial reaction will calm down before they try releasing the show again.
However, some people in the industry are wondering if audiences will ever truly accept this idea.
Okay, seriously, it’s not just about watching shark documentaries anymore! It’s actually terrifying here in Australia right now. It’s not a distant ‘what if’ – people are genuinely scared, and honestly, I am too! It’s like, they’re not just on TV, they’re real and the danger feels so close. I’m obsessed with learning about them, but also, completely freaked out!
Currently, the show Shark! isn’t being released, but it’s expected to begin final editing and polishing within the next two weeks.
Daily Mail has reached out to Nine and Seven for comment.
Read More
- Heartopia Book Writing Guide: How to write and publish books
- Genshin Impact Version 6.3 Stygian Onslaught Guide: Boss Mechanism, Best Teams, and Tips
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Battlestar Galactica Brought Dark Sci-Fi Back to TV
- EUR ILS PREDICTION
- January 29 Update Patch Notes
- Composing Scenes with AI: Skywork UniPic 3.0 Takes a Unified Approach
- ‘They are hugely embarrassed. Nicola wants this drama’: Ignoring texts, crisis talks and truth about dancefloor ‘nuzzling’… how Victoria Beckham has REALLY reacted to Brooklyn’s astonishing claims – by the woman she’s turned to for comfort
- The Traitors cast let their hair down as they reunite for a group night out after Stephen and Rachel’s epic win
- Katie Price’s new fiancé is a twice-married man who claims to be a multimillionaire – and called his stunning personal trainer ex-wife ‘the perfect woman’ just 18 months ago
2026-01-30 13:35