Channel 10 Sets Date for Australian Survivor: Australia v The World, Marking Jonathan LaPaglia’s Final Season

Channel 10 has announced that Australian Survivor: Australia v The World will premiere at 7pm on Sunday, 17 August. The upcoming season not only features a mix of returning Australian and international contestants, but also marks the last time Jonathan LaPaglia will serve as host, following his departure from the network.

Channel 10’s latest Survivor instalment brings together Australian and international players for a season marking Jonathan LaPaglia’s final appearance as host. (image – Channel 10)

The short-format series, filmed in Samoa, brings together fourteen players from both Australia and other Survivor franchises, all set to compete over just 16 days for the title of Sole Survivor and a $250,000 prize. With the airdate now confirmed, viewers can expect a competitive line-up including past champions, strategic powerhouses and notable personalities from the wider Survivor universe.
 

Key Points

Channel 10 has confirmed Australian Survivor: Australia v The World will launch at 7pm on 17 August.
The series is the final to be hosted by Jonathan LaPaglia, following his exit from the program.
The cast includes returning Australian contestants and high-profile players from the US, New Zealand, South Africa, Finland, and Quebec.

The full cast for Australian Survivor: Australia v The World comprises seven Australian and seven international contestants, each bringing a strong Survivor pedigree. The line-up includes:

David Genat returns after his win on Australian Survivor: All Stars and recent appearance on the US series Deal or No Deal Island, where he claimed USD $5.8 million (AUD $9.1 million). Known for strategic gameplay, Genat famously created a fake immunity idol and orchestrated major moves.

George Mladenov, known as “King George,” is back after competing on Brains v Brawn and Heroes v Villains. Mladenov has built a reputation for bold strategic play and social manoeuvring, and is also recognised for his book, “How to Win Friends and Manipulate People.”

Janine Allis, founder of Boost Juice and Retail Zoo, made her mark in Champions v Contenders (2019), where she was dubbed “The Godmother” for her calculated approach, ultimately finishing fifth.

Kirby Bentley, a former AFLW player and advocate for Indigenous youth, joined the series from the 2024 season. Bentley is known for her leadership and orchestrating major blindsides, and is the namesake of the Kirby Bentley Cup for Aboriginal girls in football.

Luke Toki appears for a third time after previous stints on Australian Survivor (2017) and Champions v Contenders (2019). Toki is known for his strategic and entertaining gameplay, as well as for hosting Australian Survivor: Talking Tribal and winning Big Brother Australia in 2021.

Sarah Tilleke competed in the 2017 season and is remembered for her social strategy. Tilleke was also a runner-up on The Face Australia and works as a model for prominent brands.

Shonee Bowtell holds the record for the most days played on Australian Survivor, having appeared in three previous seasons. Bowtell is known for her witty social gameplay and consistent challenge performance.

On the international front, Cirie Fields from the US returns after competing in four US Survivor seasons: Panama, Micronesia, Heroes vs. Villains, and Game Changers. Fields has also won The Traitors US and appeared on Big Brother US.

Kassandre ‘Kass’ Bastarache joins from Survivor Québec 2024, where she finished tied for second place. Bastarache was noted for her challenge strengths and strategic approach.

Lisa Holmes, winner of Survivor New Zealand: Thailand, is a school librarian who secured victory through a combination of alliances and key moves.

Parvati Shallow is one of the franchise’s most recognisable figures, having won Survivor: Micronesia – Fans v Favourites and competed in several other US seasons. Shallow is renowned for her charm and strategic ability and recently appeared alongside Genat on Deal or No Deal Island.

Rob Bentele won Survivor South Africa: Island of Secrets and is known for both his strategic play and physical strength, as well as his involvement in the “Amigos” alliance.

Tommi Manninen was runner-up on Survivor Finland: Season 7 (Selviytyjät Suomi), earning recognition for his strong social and physical gameplay. Manninen is a Finnish radio presenter and journalist.

Tony Vlachos, who has twice won the US version of Survivor (Cagayan and Winners at War), is a police officer celebrated for his unpredictable tactics, including the creation of “spy shacks” and bold blindsides.

The 2025 edition of Australian Survivor: Australia v The World brings together this group of past winners, finalists, and memorable contestants from across the Survivor universe for a season that both closes a chapter with Jonathan LaPaglia and continues the tradition of high-stakes gameplay on Channel 10.

Australian Survivor: Australia v The World will premiere at 7pm on Sunday, 17 August on Channel 10