More than 15,000 people auditioned to take part in the launch of Australian Survivor –an Aussie version of the U.S. television phenomenon that sees 24 everyday people stranded on an island with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Network Ten Chief Programming Officer, Beverley McGarvey, said: ‘Survivor is the most successful reality TV show in the world and we are very excited to be launching Australian Survivor.’
‘More than 15,000 Australians applied to be part of this spectacular, dramatic and compelling new series. The 24 people we’ve selected are incredible and represent one of
the best casts we have ever assembled for a reality series,’
‘Australian Survivor will offer amazing locations, a diverse and intriguing cast and all the drama you’d expect when 24 people are left to fend for themselves while competing for half a million dollars – plus ambitious immunity and reward challenges and jaw-dropping tribal councils.’
As filming for the show commenced in Samoa last month, we’re finally getting a glimpse at the 24 people competing for the title of first Australian Survivor:
Andrew, 29, Brisbane, Queensland, Marketing Executive
Andrew is a marketing professional with 10 years’ experience in the corporate world. He is an avid poker player and will use these skills to get inside the minds of his opponents. While he doesn’t see himself as a physical threat, he will manipulate and deceive to stay in the game.
Barry, 44, Cairns, Queensland, Radio Host and Ex Rugby International
Barry is a confident, articulate, strong, laid-back, funny man with the gift of the gab and currently works at Star FM in Cairns. Barry represents the quintessential Australian larrikin and has a big personality that will no doubt see him loved by all on the island.
Bianca, 36, Melbourne, Victoria, Private Investigator
Bianca has a degree in psychology, a masters in criminology and currently works as a private investigator. She is mentally tough and thinks she has the strength to outlast her fellow contestants.
Brooke, 23, Melbourne, Victoria, Sales Executive
Brooke is a fun-loving sales executive in Melbourne but is unsure what direction she wants her life to go in. She is confident, stubborn and not afraid to tell people what she really thinks. She will always stand up for herself and the people she cares about.
Conner, 23, Canberra, ACT, Law Student
Conner is a former United Nations Youth Facilitator and currently studying a post-graduate law degree. He is a go-getter with a real thirst for knowledge. He is a big fan of Survivor and thinks his political background will give him a fighting chance on the island.
Craig, 32, Brisbane, Queensland, Emergency Services Recruitment Officer
Craig works as a recruitment officer for the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service. After an accident that saw 35 per cent of his body burnt, Craig was told he may never be able to go out in the sun again. He proved the doctors wrong and believes he has the emotional tools to cope with the tough conditions on Australian Survivor.
Des, 59, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Courier Driver
Des is a courier driver and a classic Aussie bloke who loves to have a laugh. He served in the army for seven years and knows how to live rough. He is a larger-than-life personality who may surprise everyone with the brains underneath his rugged exterior.
El, 33, Brisbane, Queensland, Army Corporal and Charity Worker
El is a corporal in the Army and the founder of two charity organisations supporting homeless veterans and women in the Defence Force. She has represented the armed forces to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and describes herself as a free spirit who is finely balanced between a dainty girl and a tough, fit warrior.
Evan, 30, Melbourne, Victoria, High School Teacher
Evan loves his job as a high school teacher and thinks it is the most rewarding profession in the world. He is the class clown and self-proclaimed underdog who wants to prove that you don’t need to be the smartest, or the most athletic, to win the game of Survivor. He thinks he has what it takes to win with patience, emotional intelligence and social manipulation.
Flick, 23, Gold Coast, Queensland, Personal Assistant and Bartender
Flick works full-time as a personal assistant for a real estate agent and is training to be an agent herself. An ex-meter maid also works part-time in a hipster bar on the Gold Coast.Flick has a thick skin and can hold her own. She is a cheeky, smart, athletic, high achiever who can’t wait to play the game of Survivor.
Jennah-Louise, 27, Gold Coast Queensland, Law Graduate
Jennah-Louise is a law/politics graduate who recently left her corporate job at a big accounting firm to pursue her dreams. JL devotes a lot of her time volunteering with
women’s groups in remote Kenyan communities. She is highly competitive and takes pride in her mental and physical toughness.
Kate, 28, Perth, Western Australia, Financial Analyst
Kate is physically and emotionally tough, resilient, inspiring, likeable and straight-talking. At 19, she was involved in a boating accident that resulted in more than 10 hours of emergency surgery. Her parents were told her chances of survival were one in a million. In the face of adversity, Kate pushed through with determination and is now fitter than ever, competing in triathlons and training six days a week.
Kat, 26, Perth, Western Australia, Partnerships and Brand Manager
Kat comes from a middle class family and has worked hard to be successful in her career. She recently quit her job as partnerships and brand manager for the WA Cricket Association to appear on the show and has developed a thick skin that has enabled her to thrive in a male-dominated environment.
Kristie, 24, Sydney, NSW, Senior Account Executive
Kristie is candid, confident, charismatic and kooky. She describes herself as independent, effervescent, tactful, curious and stubborn. Kristie is well travelled and physically fit. She is in it to win it and will not let anyone get in her way.
Kylie, 38, Melbourne, Victoria, Firefighter
As a firefighter, Kylie faces danger on a daily basis and is always up for a challenge. A normal day sees her wake at 5am to teach a women’s fitness class then, from 8am to 6pm, she is the lead firefighter in a Melbourne metropolitan fire station. A thrillseeker at heart, Kylie has been skydiving, abseiling and hiked the Kokoda Trail.
Lee, 40, Brisbane, Queensland, Aerial Photographer and Ex Pro Cricketer
Lee was a professional cricketer who played in the IPL, Sheffield Shield and KFC Big Bash League. In 2004, agonising back problems forced him into early retirement from cricket, but after years of rehabilitation, Lee made a comeback in 2008. He now owns a drone company that specialises in aerial photography and filming.
Matt, 29, Adelaide, South Australia, Magician and Mentalist
Matt spent eight years working in corporate banking before deciding he needed a life change and pursued his passion for magic. Matt is also a professional mentalist and can read body language and use clever wording to influence people’s decisions. He believes these skills will help him navigate the game of Survivor.
Nick, 28, Adelaide, South Australia, High School Teacher
Nick is a high school English teacher in Adelaide. He is an astute Survivor fan who has studied the game for many years. He has watched every episode of every series of the US version of Survivor multiple times. Nick is hoping his smaller frame will throw off his competitors so he can beat them with his brains.
Peter, 62, Canberra, ACT, Air Traffic Controller
Peter is a unique, quirky Australian with a tonne of life experience and a passion for aviation. He has had various occupations over the years, from potato picking and casino inspector to being a postie and an aircraft accident investigator and pilot. He may be the oldest contestant on the show, but Peter is confident he has what
it takes for the physical and mental challenges of Australian Survivor.
Phoebe, 27, Sydney, NSW, Criminal Lawyer
Phoebe is a qualified lawyer who has worked on criminal cartel enforcement. She does not take anything at face value and has learnt to manipulate people when required. Phoebe can interrogate people, think on her feet, work under pressure and is a natural mediator who rarely loses an argument.
Rohan, 28, Melbourne, Victoria, Model
Rohan is a charismatic, charming and successful model who completely breaks the stereotype. Rohan put his modelling career on hold for three years to be the Australian representative of the Rwanda Development Board. He was on the Dean’s List at university, has degrees in commerce and science, and is passionate about the environment, sustainability and helping others, especially in developing areas where he travels frequently.
Sam, 28, Sydney NSW, Charity Co-Founder and CEO
Sam is the CEO of the mental health and suicide prevention organisation LIVIN, which he cofounded in 2013 after one of his close friends took his own life. Sam is super fit, lives a very healthy and active lifestyle and is always setting himself challenges.
Sue, 59, Perth, Western Australia, Personal Trainer and Retired Customs Officer
Sue worked as a customs officer for 29 years and did everything from air passenger profiling to jumping out of helicopters into the sea. Sue is mentally tough, she fears tight spaces and hates people who interrupt.
Tegan, 33, Sydney, NSW, Personal Trainer and Model
Tegan has been a catalogue model for more than 15 years, and has been a PT for eight years while trianing the likes of David Beckham, Natalie Imbruglia, Lara Stone and Hugh Grant. She recently returned to Australia after living in London for four years.
Australian Survivor will premiere later this year.