TELEVISION • SURVIVAL • EXPERT COMMENTARY

UK Survival Expert for TV, Media & Production

Steven Kelly, also known as Survival Ste, spent 23 years in the British Army, including with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, before taking on 56 days of Naked and Afraid. He now teaches survival skills through South West Survival and works with television, media and production teams on survival demonstrations, contributor preparation, factual entertainment and practical outdoor challenges.

Discuss a production View TV credits

23 years29 Commando

56 daysNaked and Afraid

Discovery · BBC · E4Verified TV credits

UK and internationalProduction availability

Steven Kelly, British TV survivalist and former 29 Commando soldier, outdoors in a survival setting

Steven Kelly · Survival SteTV survivalist · Former 29 Commando soldier · Survival instructor

ON CAMERA

TV Expert Showreel

A concise introduction to Steven Kelly’s on-screen presence, survival expertise and experience working in demanding television environments.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Survival knowledge that works on camera

A television survival expert needs to do more than light a fire in front of a camera. The job is to explain the decision, make the skill understandable and know when a plan needs changing. Contributors and production teams need someone who can work with people, not just equipment.

On-screen survival expert

Clear demonstrations, specialist commentary, practical instruction and calm contributor mentoring for factual television.

Contributor preparation

Preparation for outdoor challenges, remote environments and the physical and mental pressure of survival-based filming.

Challenge development

Credible, visual survival tasks designed around the contributors, environment and production objectives.

Technical consultancy

Practical input on survival methods, equipment, fieldcraft, scripts, outdoor realism and factual accuracy.

Military authenticity

Terminology, field behaviour, resilience, navigation and leadership informed by 23 years in 29 Commando.

Production support

Contributor briefings, training and practical outdoor support through Steven and South West Survival.

Why productions work with Steven Kelly

Real survival credibility. Clear on camera.

Steven served for 23 years in the British Army, including 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, and reached WO2. He completed 21 days on Naked and Afraid in Colombia and 35 days on Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse in South Africa. Away from television, he teaches practical fieldcraft, navigation and survival at South West Survival.

For a wider look at the UK survival scene, read 20 UK Survival Experts to Know in 2026.

He's worked in difficult locations with cameras rolling and knows how different it feels when you're hungry, wet and under pressure. He can demonstrate a technique, explain why it matters and help a production keep its survival content grounded in reality.

On-screen expert rolesFactual entertainmentExpert commentaryContributor mentoringAdventure documentariesSurvival consultancy

Discuss a production

Developing a television programme, documentary, outdoor challenge or expert-led feature? Share the production company, project outline, filming location, proposed dates, budget range and the support required. Steven responds personally to television and production enquiries.

Thank you. Your production enquiry has been received.

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Prefer to go direct?
steven1640@live.co.uk
07830 497130
Plymouth-based, UK-wide delivery and international travel available.