Steve Backshall Net Worth

What is Steve Backshall's Net Worth?

Steve Backshall is a British naturalist, explorer, author, and television presenter who has a net worth of $5 million. Steve Backshall is best known for hosting wildlife and adventure programs, especially the long-running BBC series "Deadly 60," which introduced younger audiences to some of the most dangerous, fascinating, and misunderstood animals on Earth. His television career has combined natural history, survival, exploration, conservation, and education, making him one of the most recognizable wildlife presenters in the United Kingdom.

Backshall has worked with the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery, and other major broadcasters, appearing in programs such as "The Really Wild Show," "Lost Land of the Jaguar," "Lost Land of the Volcano," "Lost Land of the Tiger," "Deadly Dinosaurs," and "Expedition with Steve Backshall." He has also written books for children and adults, including wildlife guides, adventure memoirs, and fiction. Known for his physical approach to exploration, Backshall has kayaked, climbed, dived, and trekked through some of the world's most remote environments while building a career around animals, science, and conservation.

Early Life

Steve Backshall was born Stephen James Backshall on April 21, 1973, in Bagshot, Surrey, England. He grew up on a smallholding surrounded by animals, woodland, and countryside, an upbringing that helped shape his lifelong interest in wildlife. His parents both worked for British Airways, which also exposed him to travel from an early age.

Backshall studied English and theatre studies at the University of Exeter. Before becoming a television presenter, he traveled widely and worked as a writer, including for Rough Guides. He later earned a master's degree in bioscience from Canterbury Christ Church University, further strengthening the scientific foundation behind his wildlife work.

Television Career

Backshall began his media career as a travel and wildlife writer before moving into television. One of his early breakthroughs came after he bought a video camera, traveled to Colombia, filmed wildlife in the rainforest, and sold the footage to National Geographic. That opened the door to work as a presenter and adventurer on natural-history programming.

He later became widely known through BBC programs, including "The Really Wild Show," "Expedition Borneo," "Lost Land of the Jaguar," "Lost Land of the Volcano," and "Lost Land of the Tiger." These series established Backshall as a presenter willing to travel into difficult terrain and explain wildlife in a way that was both dramatic and educational.

His signature success came with "Deadly 60," which premiered in 2009. The series followed Backshall as he searched for dangerous animals around the world, highlighting predators, venomous creatures, powerful mammals, reptiles, insects, and marine species. The show became a major children's factual hit and helped make Backshall especially popular with younger viewers.

Backshall expanded the franchise with related programs such as "Live 'n Deadly," "Deadly Art," "Deadly Pole to Pole," and "Deadly Dinosaurs." He also hosted "Expedition with Steve Backshall," a large-scale adventure series built around first descents, remote exploration, climbing, caving, kayaking, and wildlife encounters.

Books and Writing

Writing has been a major part of Backshall's career from the beginning. His official biography notes that he began by working for Rough Guides and writing freelance travel pieces before his television work took off. He has since written extensively for both children and adults.

His books include "Venom: Poisonous Creatures in the Natural World," "Looking for Adventure," "Predators," "Deadly 60," "Deadly Diaries," and "Deep Blue: My Ocean Journeys." He also wrote the children's fiction series "The Falcon Chronicles," combining adventure storytelling with his interest in wildlife, travel, and environmental themes.

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Awards and Honors

Backshall's work has earned significant recognition in British factual and children's television. In 2011, he won two BAFTA Children's Awards connected to "Deadly 60," including recognition as a children's television presenter and for factual programming. "Deadly 60" and several of his other programs have also received nominations and awards from major wildlife and television organizations.

In 2012, Backshall received a Gold Blue Peter badge, one of the most recognizable honors in British children's television. He has also been recognized for exploration, conservation, and charity work.

Other Projects

Outside wildlife documentaries, Backshall has appeared on entertainment and reality programs. In 2014, he competed on "Strictly Come Dancing," bringing him to an even broader British television audience. He has also appeared in specials and documentary projects centered on conservation, outdoor survival, and environmental education.

Backshall's public work extends into speaking, conservation advocacy, school outreach, and live events. His career has often been built around encouraging young people to engage with wildlife, science, outdoor adventure, and the natural world.

Personal Life

Steve Backshall married Olympic rower Helen Glover in 2016. Glover is one of Britain's most decorated rowers, and the couple became one of the UK's best-known adventure-and-sport pairings. They have three children together.

Backshall and Glover have also raised money for conservation causes and taken part in endurance events together. Their shared public image is closely tied to outdoor life, elite physical performance, environmental interest, and family.

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