A savage-looking, scaly and sharp-toothed mermaid was seen sunning herself in the Thames this week – but this was no cryptozoological breakthrough, just a promotional stunt for SYFY UK’s new series Sirens, starting May 3rd, in which the seaside town of Bristol Cove learns how much truth lies in their area’s mermaid legends. It took six hours to apply the make-up and prosthetics which made for such a spectacular sight.

The channel also surveyed the British public regarding maritime myths, determining that a surprising number still believe in mythical sea creatures such as the mermaid.