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.
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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.
“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.”
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.”
PETER CONTE
Age: 22
Occupation: Digital Advertising Producer
State: New South Wales
“I can’t wait to start, I’m ready for this.”
MARK HERLAAR
Age: 51
Occupation: Lime Farmer
State: New South Wales
“I’ll be your best mate, I’ll be your confidant.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
BEN MORGAN
Age: 20
Occupation: Fast food attendant
State: Western Australia
“I’’m capable to relating to the older generation.”
KENT NELSON
Age: 51
Occupation: Chief financial officer
State: South Australia
“I’m stubborn, but mentally I’m very strong.”
JARRAD SENG
Age: 29
Occupation: Photographer
State: West Australia
“I’m feeling pretty nervous, I’m petrified, but I’m excited.”
HENRY NICHOLSON
Age: 26
Occupation: Labourer
State: South Australia
“I plan to tell people I’m a yoga teacher, but I am not.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
MICHELLE DOUGAN
Age: 33
Occupation: Nanny
State: New South Wales
“I’m so excited, and naive. I have no idea what to expect.”
JACQUI PATTERSON
Age: 50
Occupation: Wedding celebrant
State: New South Wales
“I’m pretty raw and honest, I’m a real people’s person.”
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.”
KATE TEMBY
Age: 47
Occupation: Financial executive
State: Victoria
“The extremity does appeal to me, because I don’t like to do the predictable.”
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.”
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.”
SAMANTHA GASH
Age: 32
Occupation: Endurance athlete
State: Victoria
“I know what’s it like to live on the edge.”
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.”
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.”
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