Die-hard Survivor fans may be crushed slightly at news Jeff Probst, long-time host of the Survivor franchise in the States, is not coming Down Under to host the Australian version.
However, over the weekend, Network Ten has revealed Jonathan LaPaglia as the new host.
ANNOUNCING: Jonathan LaPaglia (@JLa_Paglia) to host #SurvivorAU on @channelten.
Outwit. Outplay. Outlast. pic.twitter.com/UqLNnDdijt
— Australian Survivor (@Survivor_AU) April 9, 2016
The ultimate #SurvivorAU selfie: US host @JeffProbst meets our man in charge @JLa_Paglia. pic.twitter.com/9mKosuNtSy
— Australian Survivor (@Survivor_AU) April 9, 2016
LaPaglia is an Australian actor who has appeared in shows Seven Days, The District and New York Undercover.
While News Corp is reporting TV personality Grant Denyer and TV and radio presenter Rove McManus were rumoured to be up for the hosting gig, LaPaglia evidently snagged the role.
In a statement, LaPaglia said he was “honoured to be hosting the show that pioneered the mainstream reality television genre almost 20 years ago.
“As a big fan of the show, I am delighted and thrilled to bring all the drama, strategy and adventure synonymous with Survivor to Australian viewers.”
“Jonathan is the perfect host for Australian Survivor,” said Ten’s chief programming officer, Beverly McGarvey.
“He is intelligent, engaging, energetic and a true fan of the show. We considered many people for the role. When we talked to Jonathan, we knew immediately that he was the ideal person to host this exciting, spectacular and dynamic family entertainment series.
“We are very happy to welcome Jonathan to Australian Survivor and to Network Ten.”
Ten first announced it was hosting its own version of the hit reality show in December 2015 during its Upfronts.
