Comedian Cally Beaton who will host the 2026 Subsea Expo Awards

Comedian and TV personality Cally Beaton has been confirmed as the host for next February’s Subsea Expo Awards, which is organised by Global Underwater Hub.

Known for appearances on several television shows, including The Apprentice: You’re Fired, QI, Richard Osman’s House of Games and Countdown, Cally ventured into the world of stand-up comedy in 2015 after a 20-year career in the TV industry.

In a departure from recent tradition, she will compere the awards ceremony, guiding guests through proceedings that celebrate the achievements of companies and individuals working in the subsea sector and wider underwater industry. With a sharp wit and a wealth of stories from her time in business and comedy, she is set to keep guests entertained as the evening progresses.

Taking place on Wednesday, 04 February 2026 at P&J Live in Aberdeen, the awards dinner is a highlight of the two-day Subsea Expo exhibition and conference and has been a fixture of the event for around 20 years. Nine accolades will be presented on the night, with the shortlisted finalists being announced in the coming weeks.

Ten years ago, following two decades working in the TV business, Cally took the decision to pursue her passion for comedy and began performing as a stand-up comedian. She has taken to the stage at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe a number of times, receiving a four-star review for her 2016 performance, before being named “New Comedian of the Year” 2017/18 by the Piccadilly Comedy Club. In 2022, she appeared on the bill of the Christmas special of the BBC’s popular Live at the Apollo show.

Alongside her TV work, Cally has been a regular contributor to a series of radio programmes across the BBC network. In addition, she has established herself as a respected and popular keynote speaker and event host.

Some of the winners of the 2025 Subsea Expo Awards pictured with Global Underwater Hub chief executive Neil Gordon (in kilt) and Gyles Brandreth

Neil Gordon, chief executive of Global Underwater Hub, which organises Subsea Expo, said: 
“With her background in business and a sharp sense of humour, we are excited to have comedian Cally Beaton hosting our upcoming Subsea Expo Awards Dinner. Her role at the head of proceedings will give a fresh feel to the evening, which celebrates the vibrant and economically important subsea sector and wider underwater industry.

“Forming a key part of our Subsea Expo programme, the awards dinner brings industry together and firmly puts the focus on the companies and individuals leading the way in our industry, whether through innovations, collaborations or international growth.” 

Bookings for the black-tie evening are on sale now via the Global Underwater Hub website, with options to purchase tables of 10 or individual tickets. The 2026 Subsea Expo Awards are sponsored by C-Kore Systems, Deepsea Technologies and Viper Innovations, with a range of sponsorship opportunities still available. Tickets can be purchased here. 

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Global Underwater Hub