TELEVISION NOT FOR FAINT- HEARTED

Survivor is anything but a getaway for those who choose to play the game.

And this year’s castaways are one bold bunch, says host Jonathan LaPaglia. After watching the inaugural season of the reality show, filmed in Samoa last year, 2017’ s contestants think they know what’s in store for them. “They definitely think they’re more savvy,” LaPaglia says. “The fun thing about this group is they’re not afraid to make any moves. There are lots of crazy moves going on throughout the entire season. Most of them are great moves, but some are just moves for the sake of moves.

“That’s what I want in the players – that they’re willing to make moves and try things, and they certainly did that in spades this year. They’re all swinging for the fences and the result is fun and entertaining TV.” But don’t expect anyone to copy last year’s winner, Kristie Bennett’s strategy. The former account executive hid her intelligence and true motives from all of her competitors until the final tribal council, frustrating her campmates and viewers alike as she constantly flip- flopped on alliances.

“Everyone is playing their own game this year and so they should,” LaPaglia says. “It worked for Kristie last year because of the bunch she was playing with and the circumstances. There’s no one way of doing it. Anyone can play it and win it.” Channel 10 has made some major changes this year, responding to fans’ calls for a live finale and reunion special.

While the bulk of this year’s series has already been filmed, the finale is likely to be broadcast from Sydney months after the castaways have returned to the comforts of home.