Australian Survivor host Jonathan LaPaglia axed by Channel 10

Australian Survivor host Jonathan LaPaglia has revealed he was blindsided by Channel 10’s decision to sack him ahead of the reality show’s 14th season.

Australian Survivor host Jonathan LaPaglia has been controversially axed ahead of the reality show’s 14th season.

And the host revealed he’d been dealt the ultimate blindside when Channel 10 called to say they are “going in a different direction”.

“10 can confirm that the upcoming season of Survivor: Australia V The World will be the last series hosted by the formidable Jonathan La Paglia (JLP),’’ a 10 spokesperson said on Monday.

LaPaglia has helmed the Ten show since its revival in 2016 and has already filmed the upcoming 13th season of Survivor, titled Australia V The World, which was shot in Samoa and will hit screens in the coming months.

The popular host said his axing “hurt like a b**ch”.

The popular host was well liked by fans.

“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,’’ LaPaglia posted to Instagram.

“I received a call from the Network thanking me for all my hard work and dedication to the show but for next season they are ‘going in a different direction’. 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.”

LaPaglia said he’d miss the show and its crew dearly and wished this was “non-elim bullshit” to save someone (him) from going home.

“It has been one of the greatest adventures of my career to helm Australian Survivor, so it is without doubt the hardest challenge of all to snuff my own torch, but here goes; “JLP … the tribe has spoken.”

He finished the post with a raw admission: “Ps. Whoever said a blindside is the most humane way to put someone down is an idiot. It hurts like a bitch!”

The 10 spokesperson added: “JLP has brought a unique blend of authority, intelligence and empathy to his role as host of Australian Survivor over the last 10 years.

“Acting as a referee and managing the intense pressure of the game while also acknowledging the human drama unfolding, JLP has been a compelling and memorable figure in the world of Survivor.

David Genat is rumoured to be taking over as host. Picture: Monty Brinton

“We look forward to JLP hosting the next epic instalment of Survivor: Australia V World coming soon to 10. We extend our sincere gratitude to JLP for his outstanding contribution over 10 years on Survivor. We wish him continued success in his acting and presenting career.

“We will be making an announcement shortly about who will take over hosting duties for the 2026 season of Australian Survivor.”

The brutal move comes on the back of a ratings slide for the franchise, with the most recent season, Brains v Brawn II, dipping to as low as 486,000 in total overnight viewers.

There is speculation via Daily Mail Australia that LaPaglia will be replaced by David Genat, the former model and Australian Survivor: All Stars champion.

Just last week current affairs program The Project aired its last show after 16 years. Regular hosts Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, Sam Taunton and Georgie Tunny bid farewell to viewers during an emotional final episode.

Ten has reshuffled its evening line-up with game show Deal or No Deal moving to 7pm and 10 News+, a new national one-hour 6pm news, current affairs and insights program six days a week is starting Monday night.

Originally published as Australian Survivor host Jonathan LaPaglia axed by Channel 10