Spoilers ahead. Survivor is a franchise that has seriously stood the test of time. In the reality TV world where shows get swapped out at a moment's notice, Survivor's enduring legacy speaks for itself.
The show's global roots can be traced back to Sweden in 1997 — and 25 years later, Survivor is an internationally beloved series that sees some of our brightest and fittest folk battle it out in testing conditions.
So it's with immense excitement that we're seeing it return to Australia in 2023. In its 10th season, Australian Survivor fans will see a popular twist on the beloved show, with 'heroes' and 'villains' fighting it out for the top spot.
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What is Australian Survivor: Heroes Versus Villains?
This year's version of Australian Survivor will see a new version of the popular 'versus' format. Previously, we've seen Champions V Contenders, Brains V Brawn and this year's Blood V Water take the stage. Now, Heroes V Villains will be taking Survivor fans for a spin. Back in 2010, American Survivor put this competition format to the test (where Sandra Diaz-Twine, one of the villains, took the crown).
For Aussies, there will be two tribes of twelve contestants divided into two groups, marked by people's 'heroic' or 'villainous' traits. This season will also see a mix of returning players and new favourites.
Who Is In The Cast?
Heroes
Hayley Leake — Winner of Australian Survivor: Brains Vs Brawn
Follow Hayley Leake on Instagram here.
David Zaharakis — Former AFL Player
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Benjamin Law — Author
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Felicity 'Flick' Palmateer — Season 6 Finalist
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Gerry Geltch — Tourism Pilot
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Matt Sharp — Lifeguard
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Nina Twine — Season 7
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Paige Donald — Jillaroo
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Rogue Rubin — Animal Activist
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Update: Rogue Rubin was eliminated on February 5.
Sam Webb — Season 1
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Sharni Vinson — Actor
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Update: Sharni Vinson was eliminated on February 13.
Shaun Hampson — Season 4
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Villains
George Mladenov — Runner-Up of Australian Survivor: Brains Vs Brawn
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Shonee Bowtell — Contestant on Australian Survivor: Champions vs Contenders and All Stars
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Anjali Rao — News Anchor
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Update: Anjali Rao was eliminated on January 30.
Fraser Lack — Real Estate Agent
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Update: Fraser Lack was eliminated on February 12.
Jackie Glazier — Season 3
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Jordie Hansen
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Liz Parnov — Pole Vault Champion
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Michael Warren — Journalist
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Update: Michael Warren was eliminated on January 31.
Mimi Tang — Luxury Car Brand Manager
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Update: Mimi Tang was eliminated on February 1.
Sarah Marschke — Miss World Australia
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Update: Sarah Marschke was eliminated on February 7.
Stevie Khouw— Season 3
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Simon Mee — Season 6
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Who Is The Host?
Jonathan LaPaglia will be returning to his seat as Australian Survivor's host. For his eighth consecutive season, the Australian actor and television personality will help contestants navigate their way through desolate and challenging times.
"Play time is over. Back in the office busy making the next season of #SurvivorAU …..and it’s shaping up to be a ripper!" he recently said on Instagram.
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When Is It Airing?
Australian Survivor: Heroes Versus Villains premieres on Monday, January 30 at 7:30pm on Channel 10 and 10 Play. It's one of Channel 10's huge slate of reality shows, including Masterchef Australia: Secrets & Surprises, MasterChef Australia: Dessert Masters, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, The Bachelor and The Challenge Australia.
“Well-executed, familiar brands continue to succeed, but audiences are ready to embrace new shows, and we have a brilliant line up of fresh content to complement fan favourites," Daniel Monaghan, Senior Vice President Content and Programming, Paramount Australia and New Zealand said.
We'll keep updating this piece as new details drop — superfans, get pumped! Your new dose of Australian Survivor is here.
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