A brand new season of Australian Survivor is on its way, and with it a new cast of wannabe ultimate survivors.
In what is arguably the greatest game of survival, and a ratings juggernaut, the brand new season is titled: Heroes vs Villains with more than few familiar faces set to make an appearance on Aussie television screens come January.
So let’s cut to the chase and unpack who is set to make an appearance and what we can expect…
George Mladenov – Villains Tribe
King George is back baby! And he’s out for revenge…
(Image: Instagram)The self declared ‘king’ of the jungle George Mladenov played the game of Survivor well, on par with fellow Survivor greats Luke Toki and David Genat aka ‘The Golden God’.
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With an immunity necklace now tattooed around his neck and down his chest, George is sure to play the game hard. But, given his fellow survivors have had the chance to watch how he works, he may be too big a threat to keep around as the game progresses.
Spending much of his time on Heroes vs Villains focused on strategy and not much else, George has previously said that his entire career in politics had been preparing him for his time on the survival show.
An expert negotiator and a master manipulator, time will only tell if George will make it to the final two once more, or if he will be booted at the beginning.
Read our interview with George here.
Follow George on Instagram: @kinggeorgeofbankstown
Hayley Leake – Heroes
Hayley Leake is here to steal the crown for a second time around.
(Image: Instagram)The sole survivor of Australian Survivor: Brains vs Brawn (season six), Hayley Leake is one to watch.
Well rounded, a master charmer and an Australian Survivor super fan who excels in the game of competitive manipulation, Hayley is sure to have a target on her back from the get go.
During her time as a contestant on the show, she orchestrated a number of big moves, including revealing ‘King George’ as a double agent which saw her unanimously voted off mid season.
She was ultimately saved by a surprise Redemption Rock twist before securing individual immunity for a further five Tribal Councils, defeating several of the season’s most physical players along the way.
In the end, Hayley walked away as winner after the jury voted 7-2 in her favour.
We just can’t wait to see the inevitable showdown between Hayley and George!
Read our interview with Hayley here.
Follow Hayley on Instagram: @hayleyleake_
David Zaharakis – Heroes
This former AFL player is sure to be a HUGE physical threat in the game.
(Image: Instagram)AFL fans will be jumping for joy at this casting news! David Zaharakis will join the Heroes tribe following his retirement from AFL in 2021. The sporting giant played an impressive 226 games across his 13 year career with Essendon and is sure to pose a huge physical threat in challenges. But fitness isn’t everything, and it remains to be seen if this hero has what it takes to play his way to the top.
Follow David on Instagram: @zacka11
Shonee Bowtell – Villains
A fan favourite, Shonee has almost made it to the end of two seasons of Survivor. Lasting an almost 100 combined days in total.
(Image: Instagram)An undeniable fan favourite, Shonee Bowtell (formerly Fairfax) has had her fair share of time playing Survivor, making appearances in both Champions VS Contenders and All Stars. Proving that she has the ability to play smart and from the bottom, she is a master manipulator, and perfectly happy to make her tribe mates do her dirty work for her.
With her signature style of ”minimal effort and maximum return”, will the wrath of Shonee catapult her all the way to the top for one final time?
Follow Shonee on Instagram: @shoneefairfax
Nina Twine – Heroes
Nina is certified Survivor royalty.
(Image: Instagram)If the Survivor global franchise had such a thing as a royal family, Nina would be part of it.
Daughter of the legendary Sandra Diaz-Twine who made global Survivor history by winning two seasons, Nina last appeared in Australian Survivor: Blood vs Water where she played alongside her mother.
Unfortunately for Nina, her time on the show was cut short after she fractured her ankle during a rewards challenge and was forced to withdraw from the competition.
This time around, Nina is here to stay and if she is anything like her mother, Nina is a player everyone will be sure to keep their eyes on!
Follow Nina on Instagram: @nina_untwined
Sarah Marschke – Villains
This beauty queen has a villainous nature…
(Image: Instagram)The former Miss World Australia, this beauty queen is ready to prove that she is not one to be underestimated.
A new face to the game, Sarah has described herself as ”evil” and ”the most beautiful villian” on her socials.
Despite this however, Sarah has a strong Christian faith and has even founded her own disability support program. So fans may see a softer side to Sarah as the season progresses….only time will tell!
Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarah.marschke
Shaun Hampson – Heroes
Will Shaun play a smarter game this time around?
(Image: Channel 10)Competing on season four aka Champions vs Contenders, Shaun quickly became a fan favourite, dominating in physical challenges but also on the social side of things with his fellow players. He was unfortunately eliminated on day 32, finishing in 11th place.
Most well remembered for his rivalry with David Genat (also known as The Golden God) who eventually went on to win that season, Shaun was in our opinion too nice and too trusting (which was ultimately his downfall).
Whilst we are sure his physical status will prove an asset to his tribe and will keep him safe in the early going, we are interested to see how his strategic game will play out and if he has learned anything since he was last in the game.
We are rooting for you Shaun!
Oh and did we mention this former AFL player is also married to Australian model Megan Gale?
Follow Shaun on Instagram: @shaun_hampson16
Jordie Hansen – Villains
In Blood vs Water, Jordie made it to the final six before his torch was snuffed out at tribal council.
(Image: Channel 10)First appearing on Blood vs Water alongside his younger brother Jesse, Jordie is sure to bring the thunder to Samoa for a brand new season of Survivor.
A landscaper by trade, Jordie is used to digging holes and getting himself out of them. And despite the ease of which we makes friends, Jordie knows that Survivor is more than just being mates and is about understanding people on a deeper level.
Quickly emerging as a strategic threat during his last stint on Survivor, Jordie had no qualms with playing people off against each other, orchestrating big moves and pushing all notions of loyalty to the side.
Last time he played 43 days before being eliminated, but will this self described villain have the last laugh this time around?
And in a weird reality TV worlds collide moment, Jordie is actually engaged to former The Bachelor star and Home and Away actress Sam Frost. You can read more about their surprise relationship here.
Read our interview with Jordie here.
Follow Jordie on Instagram: @jordie.hansen
Benjamin Law – Heroes
This hero can write his own destiny.
(Image: Instagram)Beloved author and journalist Benjamin Law is a newbie to the Survivor game. But what he lacks in experience, we know he will make it up with smarts.
Best known for his books The Family Law (a memoir which was then adapted into a three season TV show for the ABC), and his pop culture radio show and podcast Stop Everything for ABC Radio National, we just know that his legions of adoring fans will be tuning in to see their boy Benjamin come out on top.
Fans were quick to share their excitement at Benjamin’s addition to the cast, one writing ”Yesss!! The word nerds are taking over Survivor!”, another joking, ”Soon you’ll join the Marvel cinematic universe.”
Follow Benjamin on Instagram: @mrbenjamin.law
Anjali Rao – Villains
Anjali is used to enjoying the finer things in life, we can’t wait to see how she copes in Survivor!
(Image: Instagram)While this villain is new to the game of Survivor, she’s an expert at playing the game of cat and mouse!
A news anchor, broadcast journalist and even Real Housewives of Melbourne star, Anjali Rao knows how to hold her own, and is sure to add in some expertly crafted controversy of her own to camp.
We’ll have our eyes on you Anjali…
Follow Anjali on Instagram: @the_real_anjali_rao
Rogue Rubin – Heroes
This wild card has experience in the wild, but will that prepare her for the game of Survivor?
(Image: Instagram)Things are about to get wild in the Heroes camp!
This South African native has spent her life travelling the world, and shedding light on animal exploitation through her documentaries which she writes, directs and produces.
She has put herself in some incredibly dangerous positions and come face to face with some of nature’s most dangerous creatures, but will that prepare her for a tribe full of Villains?
Something tells us that Rogue will be good at hiding in plain sight, which is exactly what she did after going undercover in her documentary, Lion Spy, to expose the trophy hunting business.
Liz Parnov – Villain
Will this former Olympian pole vault her way to Sole Survivor?
(Image: Instagram)We can’t quite yet put our finger on why Olympic Pole Vaulter Liz Parnov has been placed in the villains tribe, surely her grit, determination and desire to push herself to the highest level (literally) will make her a huge physical threat in the game.
She’s previously competed against the best of the best from across the world, has her time as an Olympian prepared her for the challenges both physical and mental that Survivor will throw her way?
Remember, Survivor is every bit a strategic game as it is physical…..
”Liz is very direct in the way she communicates and treats people, which I found very amusing,” Jonathan revealed to TV Week.
Follow Liz on Instagram: @lizparnov
Felicity Palmateer – Heroes
A fan favourite, we can’t wait to see how she performs in Samoa, a far cry from her former Survivor experience in Cloncurry, Queensland.
(IMAGE: Channel 10)This big wave surfer was one of the biggest physical threats to emerge from Brains vs Brawn, helping her tribe win several immunity challenges early on.
Despite her mother passing away on day 34, Felicity (also known as Flick) persisted in the game, ultimately making it all the way to the final three before being eliminated in the last immunity challenge, leaving the game on day 48 (what a solid effort!).
Follow Flick on Instagram: @flickpalmateer
0Sharni Vinson – Heroes
Will Sharni be able to translate her in real life acting skills to the game of Survivor?
(IMAGE: Instagram)This former Home and Away actress is no stranger to an iconic beach!
Best known for playing Cassie Turner on the soap from 2005 – 2008 and in films Step Up 3D and horror You’re Next, will Sharni be able to play the game and use her acting skills to her advantage?
Or will veteran players be able to get under her skin?
Follow Sharni on Instagram: @sharnivinson
Simon Mee – Villain
Will Simon learn from his mistakes?
(IMAGE: Instagram)Simon oh Simon….
After appearing on Brains v Brawn, Simon made Survivor history when he was blindsided at tribal council with not just one, but two hidden immunity idols in his pockets.
1Betrayed by allies Chelsea and Dani, Simon learnt a very hard lesson and will surely be less trusting coming into a brand new season and new tribe.
A former bodybuilder and current carpenter by trade, he is also a huge physical threat which may work in his favour, or against it….only time will tell!
Follow Simon on Instagram here: @simon.mee89
Steve Khouw – Villain
Steve and his iconic white glasses are back for round two!
(IMAGE: Instagram)Also known as ”sneaky stevey”, this former Champions v Contenders contestant is sure to provide some interesting game play.
While initially on the outs with his tribe for his very obvious idol hunting (c’mon be smarter Steve), he eventually used his quirkiness to his advantage, integrating himself in the Contenders boy’s alliance.
Ultimately for Steve, whilst the boys promised the save him, the girls were quick to vote him out and bye bye Steve!
Fingers crossed this time around we see more Steve on our screens….
2Follow Steve on Instagram: @sneaky.stevey
Gerry Geltch – Heroes
Garry Geltch is lifesaver (literally)!
(IMAGE: Linked In)Survivor newbie and Pilot Gerry Geltch is in real life hero, making his position in the Heroes tribe more warranted than most.
In 2021, the now 62 year old kicked in the rear door of a downed plane (which was rapidly sinking in water after crashing in the ocean) – before heading back underwater to the submerged wreckage to find his 20 year old trainee.
Talking through the dramatic moments, Geltch told Australian Aviation, ”I was doing initial training with a new staff member when we experienced a component failure in the steering and braking system upon landing. From there, the issue just compounded until the engine finally gave out over the water, and we had to put it in the ocean.”
Scary stuff!
Follow Gerry on Instagram here: @gerry_geltch
Paige Donald – Heroes
From the middle of the outback to an island in the pacific, Jillaroo Paige is ready to play…
(IMAGE: Channel 10)Paige is a lesser known name to this all star lineup, but what she lacks in experience she sure makes up for in grit and determination.
A jillaroo by trade, Paige is tough by nature and will surely be one to watch.
Not much else is know about Paige but we will update this as more information comes to light!
Follow Paige on Instagram: @cowgirl_paige
Mimi Tang – Villains
Mimi is one tough cookie!
(IMAGE: Instagram)Mimi is ready to bring the heat to Australian Survivor!
This luxury car PR owner is no stranger to living life in the fast lane and is sure to leave her competition in the dust! She’s also boxed professionally which means she is sure to be a HUGE physical threat.
We can’t wait to see what Mimi is made of!
4Follow her on Instagram: @mimtizzle
Matt Sharp – Heroes
Will Matt be able to survive the storm that is Survivor?
(IMAGE: Instagram)This in real life hero is used to facing turbulent seas but will that prepare him for the game of Survivor? Or will he be unable to keep his head above water?
A lifeguard by trade, Matt saves lives on the regular, but in the game of Survivor it’s every man for themselves…
Will this lifeguard make waves in the game, or will this golden boy require rescuing?
Follow Matt on Instagram: @matty_sharp
Michael Warren – Villains
Does this journalist have the ‘write’ stuff?
(IMAGE: Newsport Daily)As a veteran journalist, Michael is no stranger to spinning the truth to achieve what he wants.
5Question is, will he be able to use these skills to win over his fellow castaways?
Not afraid to ask the tough questions, Michael’s ability to put the squeeze on his tribemates and ask the tought question could be his secret weapon.
Follow Michael on Instagram here: @waveonwave7
Jackie Glazier – Villains
Will Jackie be able to keep her poker face?
(IMAGE: Instagram)This master strategist is one to keep her cards close to her chest as a professional World Series Poker play.
After being given the boot in Champions vs Contenders in 2018 in a spectacular blindside, will Jackie learn from her past mistakes or is she doomed to to repeat them all over again?
Or will her poker face paint her as an untrustworthy player?
Follow Jackie on Instagram: @jackstarglazier
6Fraser Lack – Villains
Has his time in real estate prepped him for the game of Survivor?
(IMAGE: Instagram)Property is a tough game but Survivor is sure to be rougher (and more competitive) for real estate agent Fraser Lack.
He has the skills to make a sale, but will he be able to translate to selling his tribemates on who should go home come tribal council?
”He’s a big, colourful character but on the show, he turned out to be something different,” Jonathan LaPaglia says.
Follow Fraser on Instagram: @fraserlack
Sam Webb – Heroes
Do nice guys always finish last?
(IMAGE: Instagram)Sam appeared on the very first season of Australian Survivor in 2016 with the plan to play a game based on ”loyalty and friendship.”
This mindset carried him deep into the game before he was ultimately blindside after merge.
7Nowadays Sam is the CEO of mental health and suicide prevention organisation LIVIN, which he co founded in 2013 after one of his close friends took his own life.
Speaking on the Survivor experience, Sam said it was the ”ultimate self challenge.”
”Stepping out of my comfort zone motivates me. I love anything where I could be vulnerable. This will grow me as a person and help others find hope. Althought this is so far out of my comfort zone, that I have been second thinking! I can’t wait.”
Follow Sam on Instagram: @samwebb
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