Steve Backshall Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Steve Backshall is an English naturalist, explorer, author, and television presenter best known for his daring wildlife and adventure series — gaining global recognition through shows like Deadly 60 and expeditions that have taken him to some of the most remote corners of the planet.

Introduction

Steve Backshall (born April 21, 1973) stands among the most recognizable wildlife presenters in the UK and beyond. Between his decades-long career as an explorer, TV host, author, and advocate for conservation, he has built both a public reputation and personal success. While estimates about his wealth vary — with one public source listing his net worth at around US$2 million  — his influence and body of work tell a richer story. Backshall is married to Helen Glover, the Olympic rowing champion, and together they form one of the most admired couples bridging sport, nature, and media. His birthday, celebrated each year on April 21, marks the entry point into the personal life behind the cameras.

Quick Facts

From Childhood Roots to Global Adventures

Steve Backshall’s story begins on a smallholding in Bagshot, Surrey, where he was raised surrounded by animals and countryside — an environment that nurtured his early connection with wildlife and nature.  His parents worked for British Airways, which exposed him to travel and possibly seeded a broader curiosity about distant lands and biodiversity. 

Backshall’s academic path took him to the University of Exeter, where he studied English and Theatre Studies.  Later, he pursued (as a mature student) a Masters in Bioscience at Canterbury Christ Church University — a reflection of his enduring commitment to understanding the natural world. 

A defining period came in 1997 when Backshall attempted a solo crossing of the western half of New Guinea (then Irian Jaya). Although the expedition did not succeed, the experience sparked a turning point: he filmed a jungle pilot in Colombia — a project that caught the attention of the National Geographic Channel, which brought him on as “Adventurer in Residence.” That decision launched a career built on real-world exploration, storytelling, and public education. 

Defining moments in Steve Backshall’s journey include:

• A challenging 1997 trek across New Guinea that inspired a new career direction 

• Landing a role with National Geographic after selling a jungle-based documentary pilot 

• Transitioning to mainstream television with the BBC, including debut on The Really Wild Show, setting the stage for later success 

Through grit, originality, and passion for the wild, Backshall’s journey transformed childhood wonder into global recognition — bridging entertainment, education, and conservation.

The Core Pillars of Steve Backshall’s Wealth

While not a traditional “business magnate,” Backshall has built his wealth through a diversified set of career and creative endeavors.

• Television and Media — Years of presenting on high-profile shows for major networks (BBC, National Geographic, Discovery) provided a steady foundation.

• Authorship and Publishing — Backshall has written nonfiction guides as well as adventure novels and children’s books, leveraging his real-life experiences into literary content. 

• Public Speaking and Appearances — As an explorer and conservation advocate, Backshall is booked for events, speaking engagements, and brand collaborations. 

• Expeditions and Conservation Projects — His venture into expeditions and nature/conservation-oriented partnerships adds both thematic value and indirect influence to his brand, aligning him with NGOs, trusts, and environmental campaigns. 

These revenue streams, combined with an enduring public profile and a loyal audience, form the backbone of his earnings and long-term value.

Personal Life, Family & Relationships

Backshall’s personal life is as grounded as his professional one is adventurous. On September 10, 2016, he married Olympic rower Helen Glover — a union that drew widespread attention and admiration.  Their partnership blends two high-profile lives: one anchored in athletic excellence, the other in wildlife and conservation.

The couple has three children. Their first child — a son — was born in July 2018 after a difficult pregnancy that began with news of expecting twins, one of whom they sadly lost.  In January 2020, they welcomed twins (a boy and a girl), and their children’s names reportedly carry Cornish significance, reflecting Helen Glover’s heritage. 

Key insights into Steve Backshall’s relationships and personal life:

• Married to Helen Glover since 2016. 

• Father to three children, including twins born in 2020 after the loss of one twin from a prior pregnancy announcement. 

• Strong family orientation: despite a life of travel and adventure, Backshall often speaks about cherishing home time with his spouse and kids. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond his professional credentials, Backshall’s lifestyle reflects his enduring love for wilderness, adventure, and meaningful living.

• He is an avid rock climber, mountaineer, and endurance-sports enthusiast, having climbed Himalayan peaks and taken on extreme challenges like the Arctic’s Mount Asgard.

• He holds a black belt in judo, and has practiced martial arts during his time living in Japan. 

• His adventurous spirit extends to kayaking, fell running, ice-climbing, and other endurance sports — interests that echo his onscreen persona but also ground him in physical discipline. 

• Family-friendly travel: Backshall and Glover have spoken about their love for simpler, nature-oriented vacations — for example, retreats to island locales like the Isles of Scilly, where they enjoy tranquillity, seaside walks and marine life. 

• Conservation advocacy: Through his media platform and public engagements, Backshall supports environmental awareness, wildlife protection, and education — making his lifestyle reflect both passion and purpose. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Public estimates of Steve Backshall’s net worth vary — one widely cited figure puts it at roughly US$2 million.  Given his multiple income streams (television, writing, speaking, conservation work), it’s likely that this number represents a conservative baseline rather than full financial breadth.

Note: Because comprehensive financial disclosures are not public, the $2 million figure should be seen as an approximate, likely conservative, snapshot. Hidden assets — such as property, long-term partnerships, overseas projects, or past contracts — may not be reflected in public estimates.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Steve Backshall occupies a unique position at the intersection of entertainment, education, and environmental activism. For many, he is more than a television personality — he is a bridge between ordinary audiences and the wild, untamed corners of the planet.

His shows have sparked curiosity about biodiversity, endangered species, and the fragile balance of ecosystems. Through his writing and public appearances, he remains a vocal advocate for conservation, inspiring younger generations to respect and protect nature. 

Among fans — both children and adults — Backshall is admired for his authenticity: real-life adventures, genuine enthusiasm, and a willingness to suffer hardship for the sake of discovery. That kind of credibility is rare in mass media.

On a broader scale, his partnership with Helen Glover — a renowned athlete — adds to his public appeal, representing a blend of wildlife advocacy, athletic discipline, and family values. This has helped ground his larger-than-life expeditions in a relatable, human narrative.

His legacy is less about accumulating wealth, and more about building awareness: of remote ecosystems, of species under threat, and of our shared responsibility as stewards of the planet.

Conclusion

Steve Backshall’s journey — from a smallholding in Surrey to jungles, deserts, and oceans — is a testament to the power of passion, curiosity, and perseverance. His estimated net worth of US$2 million only skims the surface of a life rich in experiences, impact, and legacy. Born on April 21, 1973, and celebrating his birthday each year on April 21, Backshall has built not just a career, but a vocation grounded in respect for the wild. Through his work, relationships, and personal life with wife Helen Glover and their children, he continues to inspire a love for nature, adventure, and responsible living. His story serves as a reminder: true wealth lies not just in assets, but in purpose, passion, and the courage to explore.