A former winner is tipped to replace him as host next season.

Australian Survivor host Jonathan LaPaglia / David Genat looking shocked.

Jonathan LaPaglia has revealed that he’s been fired as host of Australian Survivor. Photos: Channel 10

Just as Survivor fans couldn’t imagine the American version of the reality series without longtime host Jeff Probst, it seems unthinkable not to have Jonathan LaPaglia hosting Australian Survivor. Unfortunately, the TV host has shocked fans with the announcement that he’s been axed from the Channel 10 series after 11 seasons.

Jonathan, best known as ‘JLP’ on the show, took to Instagram on Monday afternoon to share an AI-generated video of himself being knocked to the ground by a large boxing glove. He wrote a lengthy caption filled with Survivor references alongside the clip, and admitted he was “blindsided” by the news.

“Australian Survivor has seen some of the most epic blindsides over the last 10 years, but this one might just be the craziest of them all… because it happened to me,” he wrote.

JLP revealed in his post that he recently received a call from the network thanking him for all of his hard work and dedication to Australian Survivor, but they are “going in a different direction” for next year’s season.

“Ratings had dipped a bit recently and they wanted to do something drastic to shake things up. So for the first time ever this is not a tribe swap, but a HOST SWAP®️ Yes, you read that right,” he continued.

 

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JLP went on to say that because he doesn’t have a hidden immunity idol in his back pocket, he has to snuff his own torch and send himself home. However, he confirmed he will still host Survivor: Australia V The World, which was filmed late last year and is expected to premiere in July.

The upcoming season, which JLP described as “probably our best season ever”, will see seven fan-favourite Aussie contestants going up against players from the US, South Africa, Finland and New Zealand franchises.

Daily Mail has reported that JLP will be replaced by none other than former Australian Survivor champion David Genat, who is set to appear as a contestant on Survivor: Australia V The World.

The ‘Golden God’ first competed on Champions v Contenders II in 2019 before returning for Australian Survivor: All Stars in 2020, which he won. He went on to appear on The Celebrity Apprentice and host the short-lived Channel 9 series Rush, and most recently made headlines after winning a whopping US$5.8 million (AU$8.7 million) on Deal or No Deal Island in the US.

Australian Survivor's David Genat.

David Genat is tipped to replace JLP as host of Australian Survivor. Photo: Channel 10

JLP’s post has since been flooded with comments from fans and former contestants expressing their devastation and labelling the decision a “huge mistake”.

“Actually devastated! You are Australian Survivor and we are all so grateful to have had you leading it for players and fans alike,” Nick Iadanza wrote, while Jordie Hansen added, “No way! It’s going to be hard to imagine the show without you mate. An actual living legend”.

“Can confirm blindsides sting. Totally devastated with this news. Thank you for being apart of my survivor journey and your endless ball jokes. Will not be the same without you, JLP,” Logan Johannisen shared, followed by former winner Kristie Bennett who said, “Talk about brutal! We have all been completely robbed. You made this show with the players from the ground up. Always an icon!”.

“Not a bad word in the comments lets you know the impact you have left on everyone that played and watched the game,” Luke Toki remarked. “A big part of my experience out there. You might not have shown it but I could tell you were upset every time I got blindsided in the game haha… it’s been a pleasure King.”