Ella Al Shamahi​

Ella Al-Shamahi is an explorer, palaeoanthropologist, and evolutionary biologist turned television presenter, known for fronting science, archaeology, and natural history programs on the BBC, Channel 4, and National Geographic. With an adventurous spirit and a passion for fieldwork, she specializes in expeditions to politically unstable and remote regions, including Yemen and Somaliland.

In 2015, she was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer. In 2025, Ella presents HUMAN, a landmark five-part BBC Studios and PBS series that traces the story of how modern humans came to be. Blending archaeology, travel, and storytelling, she follows in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors to uncover the secrets of our shared past.

Ella also hosts BBC’s The Conversation, a global podcast amplifying women’s voices and sharing their experiences—from the music industry and sports to climate activism. Her documentary work includes Viking Warrior Women for National Geographic, where she uncovered what may be the first evidence of a female Viking battle injury, and What Killed the Whale for Channel 4.

Combining science and humor, Ella uses stand-up comedy to make complex ideas accessible, performing internationally from the National Geographic main stage to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her TED Talk, “The fascinating (and dangerous) places scientists aren’t exploring”, has over 2.5 million views, and her debut book The Handshake was named a Times/Sunday Times Book of the Year. She holds a BSc in Genetics (UCL), an MSc in Taxonomy and Biodiversity (Imperial College/Natural History Museum), and is completing a PhD in Palaeoanthropology at UCL.