Steve Backshall

Steve grew up surrounded by animals and adventure. His parents held careers in the airline industry and regularly rescued animals which led to Steve’s curiosity towards both exploration and nature. His career so far has seen him take on a number of challenges.

His CBBC series ‘Deadly’ has seen him travel the globe coming face-to-face with some of the natural world’s most impressive predators. His trips inspired him to write the much-loved children’s adventure fiction series ’The Falcon Chronicles’ trilogy. Using real life accounts, he has adapted his stories in to tales for children. A man of many talents, Steve is a prolific author having published 13 books in total and counting.

Taking off his walking boots and donning his tap shoes, Steve wowed viewers on the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ managing to keep the judges at bay until the ninth round.

Steve began his furor into the world of adventure in his teens when he travelled to some of the world’s wildest places, before studying for his English degree at Exeter University. He then went on to study Biology with the Open University, and is now studying for a Masters in Biosciences.

His broadcasting career began in the role of ‘Adventurer in Residence’ with the National Geographic Channel where he produced, filmed and presented adventure and natural history programmes. In 2003 Steve moved to the BBC Natural History Unit where he became a presenter on the children’s wildlife series ‘The Really Wild Show’.

He is also no stranger to sport holding numerous qualifications in kayaking, climbing, SCUBA diving, and mountaineering and enjoys endurance running as well as martial arts. He has ascended some of the world’s highest peaks, entered volcanoes and discovered many new species- on one expedition he uncovered as many as 40!

Steve has won many awards throughout his career. In 2011, he won two BAFTA awards for Best Children's Television Presenter and Best Factual Series, he was nominated for an Emmy award in the US and won the 2012 Wildscreen award for Best Popular Broadcast. In 2012, Steve was awarded an honorary PhD from the University of Exeter and is currently trying to find time to complete his next book.

Steve will be embarking on his nationwide ‘Wild World’ speaking tour from 15 October – 15 November where his books ‘The Falcon Chronicles’ and ‘Mountain’ will be available to buy. To book tickets please visit: www.stevebackshall.com/tour