In the most mind-blowing reality TV crossover since Abbie Chatfield started hosting FBOY Island, Big Brother 2023 runner-up Johnson Ashak is apparently trading the house for the island. Yep, word is he’s joining the next season of Australian Survivor and the producers are already framing his storyline as one giant redemption arc.

Survivor Big Brother

If you blinked, you might’ve missed Johnson’s original TV stint. He was part of Channel Seven’s weird Big Brother reboot that tried to mash Australian Survivor strategy into the Big Brother house. It was messy, got roasted by fans, and quietly canned.

But here’s the thing: Johnson was actually… good at it. He almost won the whole season, finishing runner-up to legend Reggie Bird and narrowly beating Taras Hrubyj-Piper in one of the tightest finals the franchise has ever had.

According to production sources, Johnson’s Australian Survivor pitch is simple: redemption.

“He came so close last time but Reggie was impossible to beat. Now he wants to prove he can actually take the crown,” one insider spilled to PTV.
Reggie on Big Brother

Big Brother alum Reggie Bird smashed her return to the show, and Johnson Ashak wants his turn. (Credit: Big Brother)

Basically: outwit, outplay, outlast… but make it personal.

Producers clearly think Johnson’s strategic chops (and his Big Brother near-win) will translate perfectly to the island. He’s competitive, intense, and already used to 24/7 gameplay pressure. Just with fewer coconuts and more couches.

“Without a legend like Reggie blocking his path, Johnson believes he can finally claim the crown,” another insider said.

With filming already underway, expect Australian Survivor fans to see Johnson walk in guns blazing, determined to rewrite his reality TV legacy.

Whether he thrives or flops, one thing’s certain: this redemption arc is going to be very watchable.

Next season will certainly be one to watch, given it’ll be the first with David Genat as host… or it’ll be one to avoid, if you’re a Johnathan LaPaglia stan.

ICYMI: Network 10 recently confirmed that the Golden God himself would be taking over host duties months after it announced that LaPaglia would be exiting the show, revealing that filming had already begun.

“Filming is now underway in the wilds of Samoa for the 12th season of Australian Survivor, where 10 is thrilled to confirm the ‘Golden God’ — David Genat — will be at the helm, commentating every challenge and tribal council as castaways battle it out for the title of Sole Survivor in Australian Survivor: Redemption,” Network 10 shared in a statement.

PTV has reached out to Johnson Ashak for comment.