“Australian Survivor” returned to Network 10’s schedule on January 31, 2022. This time around, host Jonathan LaPaglia welcomed 12 sets of loved ones for a “Blood V Water”-style competition, which was first popularized in America’s 27th and 29th seasons. This particular Aussie cycle began with more buzz than ever before because it notably featured America’s two-time champ Sandra Diaz-Twine (playing with her daughter, Alanna “Nina” Twine) as a contestant. In addition, former Australian castaways Andrew “Andy” Meldrum, Mark Wales and Samantha “Sam” Gash all returned for another shot at winning the $500,000 grand prize. If you’re looking for “Australian Survivor” spoilers on the bootlist for “Blood V Water” (so far), you’ve come to the right place. Tour our photos below to see the updated eliminations to date.
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Andrew ‘Andy’ Meldrum
Image Credit: Network 10 24th place — voted out (Day 2)
49, Advertising Consultant, Queensland
After Kate pushed Andy to apply for Australian Survivor: Champions V Contenders, not only is it Andy’s shot at redemption, but Kate hopes to make her own mark on the game.
Planning to use his skills as a professional poker player to read people, Andy’s also ready to try and play a more honest, fun, and good-natured game this time around.
What will be your strength in the competition?
My best chance is probably if they replace all of the physical endurance challenges with puzzles! That might be a long-shot though…
What have you sacrificed to take on this challenge?
Knowing how many fans would give anything for the opportunity to play, any small sacrifices that I have to make are entirely inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.
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Briana Goodchild
Image Credit: Network 10 23rd place — voted out (Day 5)
26, Digital Producer, Queensland
Briana is competing for the title of Sole Survivor alongside her father, David. Briana says her dad is the skull crusher – the guy who is going to lay down the law while she is the entertainer and social butterfly.
What is your biggest fear on Survivor?
Not playing a big enough game. The last thing I want to be is boring – simply not my flavour. I show up to play!
How do you think the experience will bring you closer?
I think it’s quite hard for Dad and I to be any closer but I think it will, I think it will be a once in a lifetime thing that we’ll always share.
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Kate Tatham
Image Credit: Network 10 22nd place — voted out (Day 7)
46, Mum, Queensland
After Kate pushed Andy to apply for Australian Survivor: Champions V Contenders, not only is it Andy’s shot at redemption, but Kate hopes to make her own mark on the game.
Caring and selfless, Kate is used to doing everything for her family but is now taking a chance on herself, determined to make her first time playing the game count.
What is your Survivor game plan?
I think my game plan is to not have a game plan. Being flexible and adaptable in my daily thought process while playing Survivor will hopefully get me through the game.
How do you think the experience will bring you closer?
I think this will bring us closer and for my kids, it’s a lifetime worth of Christmas lunch memories and conversations to be had. My goal is to be out in an environment that challenges all facets of me! And I can’t wait.
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Alex Frost
Image Credit: Network 10 21st place — quit due to back injury (Day 12)
26, Warehouse Operator, Victoria
Alex and Jay met after Jay started dating Alex’s sister. Now the pair will put their own relationship through a very unique test.
A super fan of the game, Alex wants to fly under the radar secretly making moves, while Jay is relaxed but also determined and competitive.
Have you done any training or planning before starting?
I’ve definitely been playing social and strategic scenarios out in my head, as well as doing the workouts Jay tells me to do in the hope I can keep up.
What would you do with the prize money?
Limo, Champagne, money showers…then invest it as well as donate some to a local charity.
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Jay Bruno
Image Credit: Network 10 20th place — voted out (Day 14)
34, Drummer, Victoria
Alex and Jay met after Jay started dating Alex’s sister. Now the pair will put their own relationship through a very unique test.
A super fan of the game, Alex wants to fly under the radar secretly making moves, while Jay is relaxed but also determined and competitive.
Jay says: “Our strategy is not to blend in but to go with the flow because you don’t know what’s going to happen, you don’t know who’s there and who you’re in with.”
What are you most looking forward to?
I’m most looking forward to being away from technology.
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Sandra Diaz-Twine
Image Credit: Network 10 19th place — voted out (Day 16)
47, Queen of Survivor, USA
Sandra is a two-time US Survivor winner and now she is ready to take on Australian Survivor and defend her international Survivor throne. Sassy and outspoken and having been a part of US Survivor five times, she is excited to be playing with a family member for the very first time.
While she might be the Queen, Sandra has never played Survivor: Blood V Water and is hoping not to impact Nina’s game. Sandra says: “I’m set in my ways but having Nina out there will remind me, ‘Sandra, tone it down.’ It’s a whole different game, it’s a whole different place, it’s a whole different theme so I can’t be the same Sandra as before.”
What will be your strength?
My strength on Australian Survivor will be my social game. I can pretty much find something in common with everyone. I can be a good friend to those that are interested in getting to know me.
What will be your weakness?
My weakness has always been my lack of being a physically dominant player at challenges and my reluctance with water challenges, although I can swim.
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Sophie Cachia
Image Credit: Network 10 18th place — voted out (Day 18)
31, Company Director, Victoria
As a Survivor super-fan, Kate (KJ) comes armed with the knowledge she has taken on after meticulously watching past seasons, and is excited to play with her younger sister, Sophie.
Two very different people, KJ is hoping to use some of Sophie’s traits to help her in the game as Sophie is a driven businesswoman who doesn’t take no for an answer.
Sophie’s also hoping to use some of KJ’s Survivor super knowledge to help her gain her footing. “I know how well-prepared KJ is so I’ll be going to her for advice, strategy, game play, what I would do in a certain situation.”
What are you most looking forward to?
Tribal Council and feeling what that paper feels like…
Do you intend to fly under the radar?
I will try my best initially, but my personality and persona is rarely one that can do that, even when I try. It will be a strategy of mine, but a difficult task for me.
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Amy Ong
Image Credit: Network 10 17th place — voted out (Day 20)
24, Beautician, Victoria
Amy and Khanh are set to put their closeness under a microscope.
Charming and disarming, Amy is ready to make a name for herself after living in her older brother’s shadow, while Khanh has a burning desire to win the title of Sole Survivor.
In my spare time I like to…
Be out in nature, spend time with my family and friends, do pottery, go out for drinks and a boogie, play with my baby kitties and doing random things like Kmart or Bunnings runs.
What are you most looking forward to?
The whole experience. I’m going to be playing the best game on earth with my brother and will meet new incredible souls along the way.
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Alanna ‘Nina’ Twine
Image Credit: Network 10 16th place — medically evactuated due to broken foot (Day 22)
24, Accounts Clerk, USA
Playing in the shadow of her mother’s Survivor legacy doesn’t intimidate Nina, who is ready for the challenge. Nina says: “The best advice my mum has given me is to keep your head down but your ears open. You don’t want the target to be on you, you want it to be on somebody else, so that has been really helpful.”
Have you done any training or planning before starting?
I have watched multiple seasons of Australian Survivor specifically, and began doing mental exercises, like meditation, to try and learn how I can keep myself calm and alert out there.
What are you most looking forward to?
I am most looking forward to the challenges. I can get competitive, and I can’t wait to get that rush of adrenaline when Jonathan says: “Survivors ready?”
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Michael ‘Croc’ Crocker
Image Credit: Network 10 15th place — voted out (Day 23)
41, Ex-NRL Player, Queensland
While Chrissy may not have a lot of Survivor knowledge, she is playing with Croc to keep his dream of being part of the game alive.
Croc’s strengths in the game will be his observation skills, as well as his brute physical strength. He will build genuine relationships and ascertain what makes people tick, how they behave and then make big moves when the time is right to eliminate his biggest threats.
What is your biggest fear on Survivor?
Fear of failure – not living up to my own expectations physically and strategically.
What’s one thing people won’t expect from you?
How down to earth, patient and caring I am. Just a big teddy bear at heart.
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Ben Watson
Image Credit: Network 10 14th place — voted out (Day 25)
33, Tradie, Queensland
Partners Ben and Shayelle realise the value of having each other on their Survivor journeys, especially when the going gets tough.
Standing at 6’4”, Ben is a standout in the crowd kind of guy and has a drive to win. He hopes to be a player who is a beast at challenges but also someone the tribe trusts.
What will be your strength in the competition?
My drive to finish this game on top, I have the urge, desire, strength and ability to push whoever I need to out of my way to get me to the end.
What’s the strategy you’re both adopting going in?
We’re both going in to play our own game, but not knowing what we’re up against in Survivor, we’re just going to be happy to adapt in any part of the game.
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Khanh Ong
Image Credit: Network 10 13th place — voted out (Day 27)
30, Restaurateur, Victoria
Amy and Khanh are set to put their closeness under a microscope.
Charming and disarming, Amy is ready to make a name for herself after living in her older brother’s shadow, while Khanh has a burning desire to win the title of Sole Survivor. And don’t be fooled, he’s willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means he has to lie, cheat and steal to get there.
Khanh says: “There is no strategy from either of us going in. We want to have some fun and see what happens. We’re both very social people so we’ll rely on that, we both find it easy to make friends.”
What is your biggest fear on Survivor?
Not making it to at least Tribal Council. I want to experience the entire game. I want to do it all. I want to orchestrate blindsides, I want to find Idols, I want to use advantages and make dumb decisions.
What food/indulgence will you miss the most?
Salt, flavour, options, yum cha, chili oil. Mainly my chili oil.
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Melissa ‘Mel’ Chiang
Image Credit: Network 10 12th place — voted out (Day 28)
Mel, 33, Chiropractor, Victoria
Mel is playing with identical twin sister Michelle, who she shares a “twin connection” with.
They’re able to know what each other are thinking and can even feel each other’s pain.
Melissa is a Survivor super-fan, who wears her heart on her sleeve but is a keen strategist and loves the psychology behind the game. As a social butterfly, Mel makes friends easily and is planning to make alliance a key part of her game plan.
What’s one thing people won’t expect from you?
I’m quite calculative, and an extreme over-thinker. If needed, I can cause chaos. I also get very hangry so we shall see what happens when the game starts!
Do you intend to make big moves?
Abso-freakin-lutely! If you even have a chance on going on the greatest show on earth and not going to make any big moves – why bother applying?
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Jesse Hansen
Image Credit: Network 10 11th place — voted out (Day 30)
22, Triathlete, ACT
Jesse has a tight bond with his older brother, Jordie who is playing alongside him and although the two claim to be polar opposites of each other, they are dedicated to becoming the perfect team.
As a landscaper by trade, Jordie is used to digging holes and getting himself out of them. And despite the ease of which he makes friends, Jordie knows Survivor is about more than just being mates and is about understanding people on a deeper level.
Jesse enjoys anything that will challenge him and he will push through any physical or mental boundaries to get there. As a professional triathlete in training, Jesse is used to intense endurance and he even finds comfort in pain. Although he has a cheeky disposition, he does not take failure lightly.
What will be your strength in the competition?
My ability to stay focused on the goal of getting to the end and not getting caught up in the small things.
Do you intend to make big moves?
I intend to make big moves but probably not early on. I am coming to play and not be a number.
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Michelle Chiang
Image Credit: Network 10 10th place — voted out (Day 36)
Michelle, 33, Speech Pathologist, NSW
Mel is playing with identical twin sister Michelle, who she shares a “twin connection” with.
They’re able to know what each other are thinking and can even feel each other’s pain.
Michelle has built a career on communication and prides herself on catching people out in their lies. As a Speech Pathologist, she is confident her innate understanding of human behaviour will push her to find out what is driving her fellow tribe mates.
Why do you think you were chosen to be on Survivor?
I think it was because of the identical twin factor. You can see how competitive twins really are in real time!
What is your biggest fear on Survivor?
Getting eliminated before my sister. My dream is to beat her at her favourite game, and I would feel like I had not succeeded in my quest if I didn’t get to do that. pumping, and you know you are about to play a bloody tough but epic game.
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Jordan Schmidt
Image Credit: Network 10 9th place — voted out (Day 38)
29, Personal Trainer, Victoria
Jordan is playing with his cousin Josh and between the two, Jordan is the one who will be diving in headfirst. Although they are cousins, Jordan and Josh say their relationship is closer than most brothers.
Jordan’s ready to push himself both physically and mentally as far as he can when he hits the mat, to see what he is truly made of.
Have you done any training or planning before starting?
I did buy a magnesium flint and learnt the basics of fire starting plus some basic knot tying skills.
How do you think the experience will bring you closer?
It’s a shared experience and you’ve got to be lucky to get on the show, let alone get with your cousin. It’s all fun for us, we won’t take anything too seriously.
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Samantha ‘Sam’ Gash
Image Credit: Network 10 8th place — voted out (Day 40)
37, Endurance Athlete, Victoria
Mark was last seen on Australian Survivor Season 2, where he formed a power couple with fellow castaway Sam. The two fell in love, were married in 2019 and have a son together.
Sam’s mantra is “composure and calm, this is a marathon not a sprint”, and says she doesn’t have a game play as she wants to adapt to the people she is playing with.
Why do you think you were chosen to be on Survivor?
My husband and I met on Australian Survivor and made the cardinal sin of getting swept up in our connection at the detriment of playing the game. Our whole tribe turned against us and we were swiftly voted out.
What are you most looking forward to?
I’ve been dreaming about being on that mat for the very first challenge with JLP. The heart is pumping, and you know you are about to play a bloody tough but epic game.
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David Goodchild
Image Credit: Network 10 7th place — voted out (Day 42)
51, Project Manager, Queensland
Briana is competing for the title of Sole Survivor alongside her father, David. Briana says her dad is the skill crusher – the guy who is going to lay down the law while she is the entertainer and social butterfly.
As a Project Manager at a construction firm, David knows himself to be very strategic. He believes in getting the lay of the land, being flexible and making tough ruthless calls when need be.
Survivor is Briana’s dream, but one David is more than happy to follow saying: “I’ve been vortexed into this dream and I’m pumped. We’re gonna smash it because our relationship together is strong. We’re both ambitious, both fierce.”
What food/indulgence will you miss the most?
Good hearty red wine and aged soft cheese, coffee and almond croissants. Indulgence missed – massage, hot shower, face and body scrub.
What’s one thing people won’t expect from you?
No one will expect the ruthlessness. I’m a good guy but I hate disloyalty and losing.
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Jordie Hansen
Image Credit: Network 10 6th place — voted out (Day 43)
25, Landscaper, Victoria
Jesse has a tight bond with his older brother, Jordie who is playing alongside him and although the two claim to be polar opposites of each other, they are dedicated to becoming the perfect team.
As a landscaper by trade, Jordie is used to digging holes and getting himself out of them. And despite the ease of which he makes friends, Jordie knows Survivor is about more than just being mates and is about understanding people on a deeper level.
What’s your favourite place in the world?
A place on the west coast of South Australia on the Nullarbor which I can’t name because it’s a local secret! Beautiful location with good waves and fishing and lovely locals.
Have you done any training or planning before starting?
I’ve learnt to make fire with flint as well as some physical training
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Kate ‘KJ’ Austin
Image Credit: Network 10 5th place — voted out (Day 45)
37, Ex Flight Attendant, Victoria
As a Survivor super-fan, Kate (KJ) comes armed with the knowledge she has taken on after meticulously watching past seasons, and is excited to play with her younger sister, Sophie.
Two very different people, KJ is hoping to use some of Sophie’s traits to help her in the game as Sophie is a driven businesswoman who doesn’t take no for an answer.
What’s one thing people won’t expect from you?
I absolutely love fishing and I’m great at it. My Dad taught me to fish down in Tasmania when I was a little girl and I have never been afraid to get my hands dirty.
What’s the strategy you’re both adopting going in?
I think we’ll play our own game as we’re two very different people. I’ll try to play the game in line with my values and who I am here on the outside.
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Josh Millgate
Image Credit: Network 10 4th place — voted out (Day 46)
31, Pilot, Victoria
Jordan is playing with his cousin Josh and between the two, Jordan is the one who will be diving in headfirst. Although they are cousins, Jordan and Josh say their relationship is closer than most brothers.
Josh on the other hand, considers himself a Survivor armchair expert and is excited to see if he can execute the physical, social, and strategic gameplay in real life.
Have you done any training or planning before starting?
I did buy a magnesium flint and learnt the basics of fire starting plus some basic knot tying skills.
How do you think the experience will bring you closer?
It’s a shared experience and you’ve got to be lucky to get on the show, let alone get with your cousin. It’s all fun for us, we won’t take anything too seriously.
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Shayelle ‘Shay’ Lajoie
Image Credit: Network 10 Runner-up — tied with Chrissy (Day 47)
31, Bio Medical Student, Queensland
Partners Ben and Shayelle realise the value of having each other on their Survivor journeys, especially when the going gets tough.
Shay says: “Having him there will be priceless in terms of support. I struggle to not get caught up in my emotions sometimes, so I have to force myself to think my way out it.”
Why do you think you were chosen to be on Survivor?
Because I am physically strong, socially adaptable and certainly not one to back away from a challenge.
What are you most looking forward to?
The challenges, they vary so much over the seasons, so I have no idea what surprises JLP is about to serve up!
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Christine ‘Chrissy’ Zaremba
Image Credit: Network 10 Runner-up — tied with Shay (Day 47)
42, Teacher, Queensland
While Chrissy may not have a lot of Survivor knowledge, she is playing with Croc to keep his dream of being part of the game alive.
Although she may not be a superfan, Chrissy is confident and competitive and wants to prove to her kids that she can do anything and to inspire them to do the same in their lives.
What is your Survivor game plan?
To be known but not feared in any way. To sit in the middle pack and observe. To potter away cleaning and socialising but to be listening in on all around me, I need to be the mother hen. Mothers can be trusted, right?
Have you done any training or planning before starting?
Ha! No. I joined back at the gym when I found out I was selected. It’s not ideal.
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Mark Wales
Image Credit: Network 10 Winner — unanimously chosen by jury (Day 47)
42, Ex SAS Commander, Victoria
Mark was last seen on Australian Survivor Season 2, where he formed a power couple with fellow castaway Sam. The two fell in love, were married in 2019 and have a son together.
Last time Mark played Survivor, he thought being fit and strong would be enough to go far in the game, but he quickly realised this was not the case and that his social game would need to improve. He won’t be making the same mistake twice.
What’s one thing people won’t expect from you?
That I am a soft heart. I do feel everything and have a lot of empathy and that made it extremely hard for me as a peacekeeper and a combat soldier.
How will you try to ensure you don’t get blindsided?
Try to use a trusted network of people and using my lie detection to read the votes before we go to Tribal!
