Steve Backshall is a British naturalist, explorer, BAFTA-winning television presenter, and author. He is best known for the long-running CBBC series Deadly 60, which he has hosted since 2008, and for his adventurous expeditions that bring viewers face-to-face with the world’s most dangerous animals.
Backshall’s career spans more than two decades, from early solo expeditions in New Guinea to becoming a household name in wildlife broadcasting. His work combines raw adventure with conservation education, appealing to children and adults alike. Alongside his television career, he is a dedicated author, public speaker, and advocate for wildlife protection.
Public interest in Backshall extends beyond his professional life. Questions about his family, his marriage to Olympic rower Helen Glover, and his current projects often appear in search results. The following article provides a fact-based overview of his biography, career milestones, and what he is doing now.
Who Is Steve Backshall? A Naturalist, Explorer, and TV Presenter
Steve Backshall: At a Glance
- Occupation: Naturalist, TV Presenter, Author, Explorer
- Born: 21 April 1973 (Age 51–52)
- Known for: BBC’s Deadly 60
- Spouse: Helen Glover (current status: separated per public records)
Key Insights
- Steve Backshall’s career spans over two decades with a focus on wildlife education.
- His personal life, particularly his marriage to Olympian Helen Glover, attracts significant public interest.
- Public appearances (Longleat, tours) drive current search demand.
- Net worth estimates vary widely—no official confirmed figure is publicly available.
- He is a known asthmatic, a condition he has managed throughout his adventurous career.
- Backshall joined CBBC in 2003 on The Really Wild Show before creating Deadly 60 in 2008.
- He won two BAFTAs in 2011 and received an MBE in 2020 for services to charity and wildlife conservation.
Key Facts About Steve Backshall
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen James Backshall |
| Height | 5 feet 11½ inches (1.82 m) |
| Net Worth | Estimated £2–5 million (unverified) |
| Born | 21 April 1973, Bagshot, Surrey, England |
| Notable TV Shows | Deadly 60 (BBC), Lost Land of the…, Big Blue Live |
| Current Status | Active in conservation, live events, and book tours |
| Awards | Two BAFTAs (2011), MBE (2020), Blue Peter Gold Badge |
| Spouse | Helen Glover (married 10 September 2016; separation reported but not formally confirmed) |
| Children | Three children, including eldest son Logan James David Backshall |
| Health | Asthmatic |
Who Is Steve Backshall’s Wife and Ex-Wife?
Steve Backshall is married to Helen Glover, a celebrated Olympic rower who won gold in the women’s coxless pair at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. The couple met in 2014 while participating in a celebrity rowing expedition across the English Channel for Sport Relief.
Marriage and Family Life
Backshall proposed to Helen Glover in Namibia during a trip with Natural World Safaris in 2015. They married on 10 September 2016. The couple have three children together. Their eldest son is named Logan James David Backshall.
As of 2025, reports indicate that Backshall and Glover have separated, but neither party has made a formal public confirmation. Therefore, the current status remains uncertain. No public records suggest multiple marriages; Helen Glover is both his wife and the person sometimes referred to as his ex-wife in unverified sources.
Early Personal Life
Backshall was born in Bagshot, Surrey, on 21 April 1973. He grew up on a smallholding surrounded by animals, including an “asthmatic donkey” and local grass snakes. His parents worked for British Airways, enabling him to travel globally from a young age. He has a sibling named Jo Backshall.
What Is Steve Backshall’s Net Worth in 2025?
No official net worth figure for Steve Backshall has been publicly confirmed. Various online estimates place it between £2 million and £5 million, but these numbers are not verified by any reliable financial source.
Sources of Income
Backshall’s income comes from multiple streams: television presenting and production fees, book sales (including the Falcon Chronicles series), public speaking engagements, and live stage shows such as Deadly Live!. He is currently writing Shark Seas, the fourth book in the Falcon Chronicles.
Because Backshall is not a publicly traded figure and does not disclose his finances, all net worth figures should be treated as speculative. No reputable source has published a verified number.
What Is the Steve Backshall Longleat Event?
Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire has hosted Steve Backshall for special appearances tied to wildlife education and entertainment. These events typically involve live demonstrations, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes stories from his expeditions.
Tour Schedule and Public Appearances
Backshall brings Deadly Live! to arenas nationwide, an action-packed experience based on the Deadly franchise. His 2025 tour includes dates at Longleat and other venues. Specific schedules are available on his official website.
Visit the official Steve Backshall website (stevebackshall.com) or the Longleat website (longleat.co.uk) for up-to-date tour dates and ticket information.
Steve Backshall: Career and Life Timeline
- 1973: Born in Bagshot, Surrey, England.
- 1997: Attempted to walk solo across the western half of New Guinea (then Irian Jaya); unsuccessful after three months in the rainforest.
- 1998: Hired by National Geographic as “Adventurer in Residence”; spent five years as a producer and presenter.
- 2003: Joined CBBC’s The Really Wild Show.
- 2008: Commissioned Deadly 60, his breakthrough series.
- 2011: Won two BAFTAs: Best Children’s Television Presenter and Best Factual Series.
- 2014: Met Helen Glover during a Sport Relief rowing challenge.
- 2016: Married Helen Glover on 10 September.
- 2018: First child born.
- 2020: Awarded MBE in the New Year Honours for services to charity and wildlife conservation.
- 2025: Active on tour, writing Shark Seas, and appearing at Longleat.
What Is Confirmed vs What Is Speculative?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born 21 April 1973. Married Helen Glover in 2016. Has three children. | Exact net worth figures. Current marital status (separation reported but not fully confirmed). |
| Active on tour and at Longleat in 2025. | Specific details of ex‑wife—Helen Glover is both current and ex; no public record of multiple marriages. |
| Height: 5′ 11½″ (1.82 m). Known asthmatic. | Future TV projects beyond currently announced shows. |
Why Steve Backshall Continues to Captivate Audiences
Steve Backshall’s appeal lies in combining raw adventure with educational content. In an era of climate focus, his conservation work resonates. His audience ranges from children (via Deadly 60) to adults seeking nature documentaries. His personal life, particularly with a high‑profile spouse, adds a tabloid interest layer. Live events like Longleat feed the demand for personal interaction and behind‑the‑scenes stories.
Backshall is deeply involved in conservation work with organizations such as the Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, Buglife, and the World Land Trust. His role as a patron and advocate amplifies his impact beyond television.
What Do Official Sources Say?
“Steve Backshall is a British naturalist, explorer, BAFTA award‑winning TV presenter, and author, best known for his long‑running CBBC series Deadly 60.”
— Wikipedia
“He is married to Helen Glover, a celebrated Olympic rower who won gold in the women’s coxless pair at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.”
— Discover Wildlife
Backshall has also been featured by the World Land Trust as a patron. His official website and social media channels provide direct updates on his activities. Instagram and YouTube are frequently updated with behind‑the‑scenes content.
What’s Next for Steve Backshall?
Backshall continues to tour and make public appearances at Longleat and other venues. He is currently writing Shark Seas, the fourth book in the Falcon Chronicles. Potential new TV projects or book releases are expected, along with increased focus on conservation advocacy and expedition work. Further updates on his personal life may emerge in media. For more profiles of athletes and adventurers, see our features on Billy Monger and Aimee Fuller.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Steve Backshall like when he was young?
Steve Backshall showed an early interest in wildlife and adventure. He grew up in Surrey, studied at Exeter University, and was a competitive rower before entering TV.
How did Steve Backshall become famous?
He gained fame through the BBC series Deadly 60, where he traveled the world documenting dangerous animals. His engaging on‑screen personality and conservation message made him a household name.
Is Steve Backshall still married?
As of 2025, reports indicate that he and Helen Glover have separated, but neither party has made a formal public confirmation. They have children together.
Does Steve Backshall have children?
Yes, he has three children with Helen Glover: twins born in 2021 (publicly mentioned) and an eldest son named Logan James David Backshall.
How tall is Steve Backshall?
He is 5′ 11½″ (1.82 m) tall, according to his IMDb biography.
What is Steve Backshall’s net worth?
No official figure exists. Online estimates range from £2 million to £5 million, but these are unverified and should be treated as speculative.
What is the Steve Backshall Longleat event?
Longleat Safari Park hosts Backshall for wildlife education and live demonstrations. Dates are announced on his official website and Longleat’s site.
Is Steve Backshall going on tour in 2025?
Yes, he is currently touring with Deadly Live!, an arena show based on the Deadly franchise. Venue details are updated at stevebackshall.com.
What awards has Steve Backshall won?
He won two BAFTAs in 2011 (Best Children’s Television Presenter and Best Factual Series) and received an MBE in the 2020 New Year Honours.
Does Steve Backshall have any health conditions?
He is a known asthmatic, a condition he has managed throughout his adventurous career.
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Rebecca Marsh is Managing Editor at BritView.uk, running the daily news list and publishing schedule.