TV wildlife presenter Naomi conquered 'serious phobia of sharks'

Not that this adventurous TV presenter who happily wing walks and abseils from mighty heights is actually wild and scary herself.That’s the name of her current action-packed but educational tour which hits Harrogate next month with TV clips, audience interaction and real, live animals.If anything, the likably chatty but quietly serious Naomi is the one who’s scared.No wonder. She’s gone from presenting early morning children’s TV show Milkshake! on Channel 5 to swimming with sharks and handling spiders for Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature on CBBC.And she doesn’t even like sharks and spiders!Bristol-born Naomi said: “Sharks and spiders were my two serious phobias growing up. I couldn’t even look at photos of them.“When I first got a job on Live and Deadly on CBBC with Steve Backshall, which was a job I really wanted, I had to confess to my fears.“There have been so many scary moments since then. The film team seem to enjoy finding out what scares me and then getting me to do it for the cameras.”This 40-year-old former ‘redcoat’ at Butlins has come a long way since she would appear dressed as a giant strawberry on Milkshake at 7am.Despite, the fun and spectacular nature of her family-friendly Wild & Scary tour, the educational side has gotten to Naomi in a deep way.She said: “The more you learn about animals and nature, the more care and the more you care the more you want to protect them.“I get a sense of satisfaction working on the BBC that it’s not just about entertainment. It’s about facts. It’s educational.“We hope the show can help youngsters not only conquer their own fears but learn at the same time.”Naomi’s Wild & Scary Tour is at the Royal Hall, Harrogate on Tuesday, April 18.The show is rated suitable for children aged five-years +.