david genat

David Genat is used to being judged on his looks. The professional model, 40, was quickly coined the ‘villain’ during his first season on Channel 10’s Australian Survivor, but when he returned for a back-to-back stint on Australian

Survivor: All Stars he proved to not only be an unstoppable strategic threat, but also a family man who was playing to give wife Pearl and kids – sons Winston and Hugo, and daughter Rei – a better life. Beyond the game, he launched the #towelchallenge with fellow contestant Lee Carseldine to raise money for the Stroke Foundation after Carseldine lost his mum to a stroke while filming. Now, Genat talks to WHO about being crowned the Sole Survivor and why there’s more to him than meets the eye ...

We saw a softer side to you this season. How was the audience reaction this time round?

The response has been amazing, I didn’t really get to develop that side of my story the first time – because I was blindsided! – but the second time around it’s been great. And as a fan of the show, I was obviously playing for my family, but I was trying to play for fans as well and deliver for them, and so to win was a dream come true. I always held strong to the belief that I was going to play the game my way no matter what.

What are your hopes for your daughter growing up in what can be a superficial world at times?

We want her to be accepted for who she is no matter how she pans out. We want her to be herself and not feel the weight of conventional beauty standards. And look, I’m coming from the modelling business, I’ve been judged on the way I look for 20 years but … I think people are really craving for realness. I try to steer away from using any filters on social media so I can come across as real as possible.

Who are the most beautiful people in your life?

My wife and three kids for sure! My wife is just such a strong woman and I’m really attracted to super strong opinionated women and I feel like she is the epitome of that. My mum is such a strong beautiful woman … and my Survivor family now – Pia (Miranda), Janine Allis, Abbey Holmes, Moana Hope, Sharn (Coombes), Brooke Jowett – I mean, what amazing women and what role models for girls. I’ve just been very, very privileged with my Survivor experience to even have just been around these women. They’re all doing amazing things outside the game, but my experience of being around them and getting to be in their glow has been great.

I’VE BEEN JUDGED ON THE WAY I LOOK FOR 20 YEARS’