Surprise & survive
Survivor: San Juan Del Sur is testing 18 new castaways’ skills.
Survivor: San Juan Del Sur Season 29 Tuesdays (from 4 April) SABC3 (*193) 19:30
The tribe has spoken and long-time host Jeff Probst is back on SABC3 with Survivor’s (2000- current) 29th season. And it’s packing a punch on Tuesday nights now (after 28 seasons on Mondays), thanks to the return of Exile Island (last seen 11 seasons ago) and the new Day Zero episode, where the 18 castaways spend night # 1 alone in their pairs before splitting into the Coyopa and Hunahpu tribes. “We’ve pitted the loved ones against each other in this Blood versus Water season,” says Jeff. “And there’s confrontation from day 1. In fact, the conflict starts just three minutes in!”
CASTAWAY COUPLES
Dating retired pro baseball player 1
John Rocker (39) and tanning salon owner Julie McGee (34) Jeff says: “John has baggage from his controversial outbursts but he doesn’t care. He’s out here to win the game. As for Julie… I just don’t know with her. And I don’t think she does either” Will they outlast? “Nope. I don’t see it happening. Their personalities are going to lead to clashes out here.”
Dating financial assistant Jon 2
Misch (26) and media ad buyer/ beauty queen Jaclyn Schultz (25) Jeff says: “They’re labelled ‘Barbie & Ken’ but they won’t play as a pair. I think that Jaclyn will be surprised at how Jon changes when he no longer has to care for her here.” Will they outlast? “They could do it, but only if they aren’t together.”
Dating actors and singers Reed 3
Kelly (31) and Josh Canfield (32) Jeff says: “They’re two of my favourites ever as castaways and as just normal people. Josh will form alliances easily but Reed is a bit too excitable.”
Will they outlast? “I love them and hope they will. But it’s going to be tricky.”
Brothers Drew (25) – a sales exec –
4 and student Alec Christy (22) Jeff says: “Drew is cocky and will be his own biggest obstacle. Alec could be a dark horse out here and I think he has something to prove to his brother.” Will they outlast? “Alec will surpass Drew but they’re midpack finishers.”
Married firefighter Jeremy (36)
5 and cop Val Collins (35) Jeff says: “I love that he’s a firefighter and she’s a cop. Val’s police skills will be tested and we know what firefighters can do. Plus, Jeremy is just so likeable.” Will they outlast? “Too nice… so no.”
Father-and-son firefighters Keith 6
(53) and Wes Nale (23) Jeff says: “These guys are cut from the same cloth – you can see the father in the son and vice versa. They’re so relatable to viewers and I think that will be a big factor on the tribes.” Will they outlast? “Keith’s experience could take him to the end but Wes won’t get that far.”
CrossFit- coaching twins Nadiya 7
and Natalie Anderson (28) Jeff says: “I love that they were both on Amazing Race [seasons 21 and 24, 2012 and 2014]. I love when people come to play the game flat-out. Will they outlast? “They understand ‘ the game’ so I wouldn’t count them out of going to the end.” 8 Mom-and-daughter Missy Payne (47) – cheerleading gym owner – and varsity student Baylor Wilson (20) Jeff says: “Missy’s been in a lot of relationships. She isn’t intimidated by men and Baylor’s seen this and I think she will know how to handle the guys and get further in the game.” Will they outlast? “Don’t count them out of taking this to the end.”
9 Dad-and-daughter farmer Dale (55) and marketing manager Kelley Wentworth (28)
Jeff says: “Dale divorced when Kelly was young and remarried and that’s a lot for a kid to take in. I think that there was some conflict and Kelly wants to maybe rekindle this bond, but at the same time, Dale might not be aware of that. Or Kelly could blindside her father and say, “That’s payback for you!”
Will they outlast? “I’m not optimistic for either of them.”