Tom "The Blowfish" Hird
Marine Biologist
Scuba Diver
Author
Wildlife Expert
Voice-over Artist
Science Communicator
A word from The Blowfish
Working in the world of science communication since I was 16 has given me a hell of a lot of experience in "Speaking Science". I have never struggled to convey my message, whether it be the function of gills or the awesome power of a rattlesnake strike, and love nothing more than getting excited over new ideas and old biological mainstays. Throughout my TV career I have developed a trusted and unique delivery, working with live animals on live shows, as well as working with children on screen and even performing my own stunts.
Always ready for my next challenge, I am passionate about bringing the seemingly boring or mundane and blowing the lid clean off to expose the REAL truths behind the science and showing that small can be mighty!
Recent Career Highlights
BBC Worldwide - Fishing Impossible. Series 1 and 2
The Blowfish is proud to have appeared on BBC Worldwide Fishing Impossible, series 1 and 2 as a main presenter.
This show followed The Blowfish and two other presenters on amazing trips around the world to find the most incredible fish and attempt to catch them in seemingly unbelievable ways. Aside from his abilities as a presenter, The Blowfish provided his in-depth knowledge of the oceans and rivers, as well as his great diving experience to bring a completely new dimension to this well-received travel-adventure show.
Atlantic Books Publishing - Blowfish's Oceanopedia
In November 2017, Atlantic Books published Tom "The Blowfish" Hird's first solo book.
Blowfish's Oceanopedia, 291 Extraordinary Things You DIdn't Know About the Sea quickly became a best seller on Amazon, as well as receiving highly positive reviews from BBC Wildlife Magazine and New Scientist. Packed full of amazing facts in an easy to read format, Blowfish's Oceanopedia combines Tom's unique style with cutting edge scientific knowledge.
Buy your copy here!
TV Credits
September 2015 - January 2017
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Fishing Impossible Series 1 and 2 (BBC Worldwide) - Part of the main three-man presenting team. Travelling the world and doing some really mad stuff!
August 2014
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Sunday Brunch (Channel 4) - Presented a segment on turtles
July 2014
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This Morning (ITV) - Presented a segment on native rock pools and marine creatures
June 2014
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Sunday Brunch (Channel 4) – Presented a segment on Brazilian animals
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This Morning (ITV) - Presented a segment on jellyfish in the UK
March 2014
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Sunday Brunch (Channel 4) – Presented a segment on sharks
February 2014
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Sunday Brunch (Channel 4) – Presented a segment on Valentine's animals
January 2014
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Sunday Brunch (Channel 4) – Presented a segment on jellyfish
October 2013
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Absolute Genius with Dick and Dom. Series 2 (CBBC) – Appeared as expert biologist handling snakes, crabs and diving with sharks. Major researcher for the episode theme of Charles Darwin and evolution
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Sunday Brunch (Channel 4) – Presented a segment on Halloween animals
July 2013
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How To Be Epic At Everything. Series 2 (CBBC) – Presented three short films on rockpooling, sandcastle building and how to treat a jellyfish sting
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Sunday Brunch (Channel 4) – Presented a segment on native rockpools and what you can find around the British coast
February 2013
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Blue Peter (CBBC) – Animal handler and contributor for a segment on snakes
November 2012
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How To Be Epic At Everything. Series 1 (CBBC) – Presented four short films on shark attacks, snake bites, crab handling and spider catching
September 2012
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Absolute Genius with Dick and Dom. Series 1 (CBBC) – Appeared as a marine biology expert delivering a segment on shipworm. Also got Dom to provide a live demonstration of a shipworm's abilities... he wasn't happy!
October - December 2011
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The Cool Stuff Collective (CITV) – Co-presented 12 episode series. Filmed exclusively in schools with a large participating live audience
June 2011
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Blue Peter (CBBC) – Appeared as a presenter on the "Freak of Nature" segment
February 2011
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Blue Peter (CBBC) – Appeared across three shows presenting "Be a Beastie" mini series. Developed original concept for segment
February 2010
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Blue Peter (CBBC) – Presented a segment on amazing Amazon animals. Handled live snakes and reptiles during the segment
Voice-over Artist
As well as providing expert voice-over work for the television productions he has worked on, The Blowfish is also an accomplished voice-over artist in his own right. Appearing as Tom Hird, he has provided the voice for many high class corporate media projects, including EA, Heathrow Airport, Hitachi and Marks and Spencer. Tom has an incredible ability to deliver highly factual content at a smooth and engaging pace.
Listen to Tom's Voice Reel for just a sample of some of the work he has produced
Tom has his own studio fully kitted out with professional grade recording equipment. If you are interested in hiring Tom for Voice Over reads, please email tarhird@gmail.com
Primordial Radio
Tom is extremely proud to be part of Primordial Radio, a Rock and Metal Internet Radio Station with a big difference. Primordial is owned by the fans, which means no adverts, no corporate overlords and no enforced playlists.
Tom presents his own podcast called The Sea Word
Based on conservation and highlighting some of the worlds most amazing critters, The Sea Word has been an extremely popular download, and while Primordial Members get access to the latest episodes a month before anyone else, you can find the back catalogue of The Sea Word on iTunes
Further more in April 2018, Tom "The Blowfish" Hird was made Environmental Consultant to Primordial Radio.
The School of Fish Campaign
From 2011 to 2013, The Blowfish fronted the Marks and Spencer School of Fish campaign. This was an initiative to get school kids learning about the marine environment and what we need to do to protect and sustain it. The Blowfish provided his marine biological knowledge along with all his presenter skills to produce high quality, educational fun films, videos, blogs and games.
Scuba Diving
The Blowfish is a highly experienced scuba diver. With over 18 years of UK diving under his weight belt, you will struggle to find someone who has such a feel for the underwater world as The Blowfish.
The Blowfish currently holds PADI Dive Master, BSAC Dive Leader, Advanced Nitrox, O2 Admin and EFR Qualifications.
Published Author
The Blowfish has been published in the companion book to the BBC Worldwide show, Fishing Impossible. The book, named after the show, features an account of the travels of the first series of the well received series and The Blowfish has added numerous biological nuggets to the script as well as his own thoughts on the state of the seas.
In November 2017, Blowfish's Oceanopedia, 291 Extraordinary Things You DIdn't Know About the Sea, was published by Atlantic Books and is now available in all good bookshops as well as online. Buy your copy here