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The lean, keen and ‘petrified’ contestants chosen for Australian Survivor series two

THESE are the Aussies who are taking the plunge in series two of Australian Survivor. They’re ‘petrified’ but they’re excited and ready to play.

CHANNEL 10 will be hoping a stronger, more physical and mentally tough group of 24 contestants will boost Australian Survivor in 2017.

In a very competitive local Australian television market, Ten are pulling out all stops to make Australian Survivor work.

The competition is fierce — tomorrow night (Sunday), Australian Survivor will be up against the Block on Channel 9, and from next week, Hell’s Kitchen on Channel 7.

Producers of the show have gone for a more brash cast compared to last year, a cast prepared to take risks to get people talking.

Host Jonathan LaPaglia also praised the variety in the cast, and the fact they will play hard.

“There is more diversity this year, we have all walks of life represented,” he said.

“They are all talking up a big game, so we will see how that plays out.”

This was backed up by Ten’s Head of Entertainment and Factual Programs, Stephen Tate, who said they wanted to make a bigger impact this year, with players who understand the format of Survivor.

“We were looking for people who actually got that it is a game,” he said.

“They are talking themselves up, but we will see when the reality hits, whether they can actually rise to that occasion.

Survivor host Jonathon LaPaglia. Picture: Supplied/Ten
Survivor host Jonathon LaPaglia. Picture: Supplied/Ten

“But that is what we set out to find, because it is a game.”

One of the more high profile contestants to watch is model Sarah Tilleke, 22, who lived in Sydney in 2014 filming the Naomi Campbell reality show The Face.

Tilleke is “perfect”casting according to Tate.

She might be underestimated, but she has studied all the strategy when it comes to winning Australian Survivor.

“I would love it to be remembered for doing a really big move,” she said.

“I want to play a game that is worthy of being on the show, not just sit there and coast through.

“I know some sort of manipulation is part of it, but I’m excited about that.

“I have always thought, what would happen if I was in that scenario?

“I know the game, and I want to play.”

Digital advertising producer Peter Conte also has a strategy, not as obvious as Tillekes.

“I want to come across as ditzy and vibrant, so I don’t think people will see me as a threat,” he said.

“I think it’s important to form some sort of emotional connection before you can go into strategy.”

Over 15,000 people applied to be part of Australian Survivor, series two.

It premieres on Channel 10 tomorrow night at 7.30pm, then on Monday and Tuesday at 7.30pm this week.

AUSTRALIAN SURVIVOR FORM GUIDE

AIMEE STANTON

Age: 23

Occupation: Plumber

State: Victoria

“All my work mates have been telling me for ages, that I would be so good on a show like Survivor.”

Aimee Stanton, 23, said she is excited to be representing her hometown. Picture: Supplied
Aimee Stanton, 23, said she is excited to be representing her hometown. Picture: Supplied

JOAN CABELLERO

Age: 29

Occupation: Escape room owner

State: New South Wales

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, that I didn’t see coming.”

Joan Caballero, who couldn’t pass up the chance to be on the show. Picture: Nigel Wright
Joan Caballero, who couldn’t pass up the chance to be on the show. Picture: Nigel Wright

PETER CONTE

Age: 22

Occupation: Digital Advertising Producer

State: New South Wales

“I can’t wait to start, I’m ready for this.”

Peter Conte is joining series two of the show and can’t wait. Picture: Nigel Wright
Peter Conte is joining series two of the show and can’t wait. Picture: Nigel Wright

MARK HERLAAR

Age: 51

Occupation: Lime Farmer

State: New South Wales

“I’ll be your best mate, I’ll be your confidant.”

Mark Herlaar, is he serious about being mates or playing the game? We’ll have to see. Picture: Nigel Wright
Mark Herlaar, is he serious about being mates or playing the game? We’ll have to see. Picture: Nigel Wright

SARAH TILLEKE

Age: 22

Occupation: Model

State: Western Australia

“I want to play a game that’s worth of being on the show, I don’t want to coast through.”

Sarah Tilleke is a model, but don’t expect her to cry over a broken nail. Picture: Nigel Wright
Sarah Tilleke is a model, but don’t expect her to cry over a broken nail. Picture: Nigel Wright

LOCKLAN GILBERT

Age: 27

Occupation: Adventure Guide

State: Western Australia

“Knowing me I love a challenge, so it’s going to be hard if I have to back off from the challenges.”

Locklan Gilbert who is keen to throw his full weight into what’s ahead. Picture: Nigel Wright
Locklan Gilbert who is keen to throw his full weight into what’s ahead. Picture: Nigel Wright

MARK WALES

Age: 37

Occupation: Former Special Operations Commander

State: Western Australia

“The feeling of returning back to the wild, with a team, I’m very excited.”

Mark Wales loves a team challenge. Picture: Nigel Wright
Mark Wales loves a team challenge. Picture: Nigel Wright

LUKE TOKI

Age: 30

Occupation: Mining technician

State: Western Australia

“I’m going to try and find a strong alliance from the beginning, and ride that out.”

Luke Toki will be keen to make alliances early on. Picture: Nigel Wright
Luke Toki will be keen to make alliances early on. Picture: Nigel Wright

BEN MORGAN

Age: 20

Occupation: Fast food attendant

State: Western Australia

“I’’m capable to relating to the older generation.”

Ben Morgan is looking forward to meeting new people on the show. Picture: Nigel Wright.
Ben Morgan is looking forward to meeting new people on the show. Picture: Nigel Wright.

KENT NELSON

Age: 51

Occupation: Chief financial officer

State: South Australia

“I’m stubborn, but mentally I’m very strong.”

Kent Nelson will be one tough guy to crack. Picture: Nigel Wright.
Kent Nelson will be one tough guy to crack. Picture: Nigel Wright.

JARRAD SENG

Age: 29

Occupation: Photographer

State: West Australia

“I’m feeling pretty nervous, I’m petrified, but I’m excited.”

Jarrad Seng has really long hair, very long in fact. Picture: Nigel Wright
Jarrad Seng has really long hair, very long in fact. Picture: Nigel Wright

HENRY NICHOLSON

Age: 26

Occupation: Labourer

State: South Australia

“I plan to tell people I’m a yoga teacher, but I am not.”

Henry Nicholson is no yoga guru. But will this be part of his plan? We’ll have to see. Picture: Nigel Wright
Henry Nicholson is no yoga guru. But will this be part of his plan? We’ll have to see. Picture: Nigel Wright

AARON “AK” KNIGHT

Age: 29

Occupation: Wedding DJ

State: South Australia

“I hope to make some big moves. The players I enjoy to watch, make moves.”

AK wants to be strategic on the show. Picture: Nigel Wright
AK wants to be strategic on the show. Picture: Nigel Wright

ODETTE BLACKLOCK

Age: 32

Occupation: Podiatrist

State: New South Wales

“I’ve never backstabbed people in life, so I don’t want to do that in life.”

Odetta Blacklock won’t backstab others, but could she under pressure in the show? Picture: Nigel Wright
Odetta Blacklock won’t backstab others, but could she under pressure in the show? Picture: Nigel Wright

NICOLA ZAGAME

Age: 26

Occupation: Waterpolo player

State: New South Wales

“I’m a pretty social person, but I definitely think I’ll have to be more cautious not having to trust people so easily.”

Nicola
Nicola "Ziggy" Zagame of Sydney is going to tread carefully. Picture: Nigel Wright

MICHELLE DOUGAN

Age: 33

Occupation: Nanny

State: New South Wales

“I’m so excited, and naive. I have no idea what to expect.”

Michelle Dougan will compete for the title of Sole Survivor. Picture: Nigel Wright
Michelle Dougan will compete for the title of Sole Survivor. Picture: Nigel Wright

JACQUI PATTERSON

Age: 50

Occupation: Wedding celebrant

State: New South Wales

“I’m pretty raw and honest, I’m a real people’s person.”

Jacqui Patterson promises to be real with her cast mates. Picture: Nigel Wright
Jacqui Patterson promises to be real with her cast mates. Picture: Nigel Wright

TESSA O’HALLORAN

Age: 29

Occupation: Doctor

State: Victoria

“I never even considered I might be actually be able to go and play a game I’ve loved watching for so long.”

Tess O’Halloran was shocked she got to go on the show. Picture: Nigel Wright
Tess O’Halloran was shocked she got to go on the show. Picture: Nigel Wright

KATE TEMBY

Age: 47

Occupation: Financial executive

State: Victoria

“The extremity does appeal to me, because I don’t like to do the predictable.”

Kate Temby likes going to extremes. Picture: Nigel Wright
Kate Temby likes going to extremes. Picture: Nigel Wright

JERICHO MALABONGA

Age: 25

Occupation: Flight attendant

State: Victoria

“I’ve been watching the show since Survivor America started, I’ve loved it ever since.”

Jericho Malabonga is a Survivor addict. Picture: Nigel Wright
Jericho Malabonga is a Survivor addict. Picture: Nigel Wright

ANNELIESE WILSON

Age: 23

Occupation: Student

State: Victoria

“I hope there is a lot more season with the understanding, if I vote you out, it’s nothing personal.”

Annalise Wilson who is ready to play. Picture: Nigel Wright
Annalise Wilson who is ready to play. Picture: Nigel Wright

SAMANTHA GASH

Age: 32

Occupation: Endurance athlete

State: Victoria

“I know what’s it like to live on the edge.”

Samantha Gash is ready to try life on the wild side. Picture: Nigel Wright
Samantha Gash is ready to try life on the wild side. Picture: Nigel Wright

ADAM PARKIN

Age: 40

Occupation: International poker player

State: Queensland

“I’m a nice guy outside poker, but put me on a poker table, it’s different.”

Adam Parkin has a poker face everyone should watch. Picture: Nigel Wright
Adam Parkin has a poker face everyone should watch. Picture: Nigel Wright

TARA PITT

Age: 32

Occupation: Barrel racer

State: Queensland

“I will go in at the start and help out, but at the beginning I won’t be the leader.”

Tara Pitt is a team player, but doesn’t fancy herself as a leader. Picture: Nigel Wright
Tara Pitt is a team player, but doesn’t fancy herself as a leader. Picture: Nigel Wright

Originally published as The lean, keen and ‘petrified’ contestants chosen for Australian Survivor series two

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/entertainment/television/the-lean-keen-and-petrified-contestants-chosen-for-australian-survivor-series-two/news-story/6f996df756843992deb80d9e11462050