After a weekend of reports and rumors about a host shake-up on Australian Survivor, Jonathan LaPaglia has confirmed he’s been axed by Channel 10 after almost a decade of helming the hit international spinoff.
The beloved host confirmed the news on Instagram on Monday (June 30), writing, “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.”
He continued, “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 joked that he wished he could say, “tonight is a little different… no one’s going home,” referencing the show’s frequent non-elimination twists. “But I can’t,” he added. “None of that non-elim bull**t tonight! Someone IS going home. And with no idol in my back pocket, that someone is me.”
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“I have loved and will dearly miss the immensely talented crew, all the crafty players and our loyal sassy audience. I’m a huge fan of this incredible game, always have been, always will be,” he stated. “It has been one of the greatest adventures of my career to helm Australian Survivor, so it is without a doubt the hardest challenge of all to snuff my own torch but here goes; “JLP…..the tribe has spoken.”
While LaPaglia will no longer serve as host for future seasons, fans will still get to see him in charge for one last time in the upcoming Australia V The World, which he described as “probably our best season EVER!.”
The Seven Days actor concluded his message by saying, “Whoever said a blindside is the most humane way to put someone down is an idiot. It hurts like a b**ch!”
Channel 10 also confirmed the news on its own Instagram page, stating, “We can confirm that the upcoming season of Survivor: Australia v The World will be the last series hosted by the formidable Jonathan La Paglia.”
The network went on to say that “JLP has brought a unique blend of authority, intelligence and empathy to his role as host of Australian Survivor… 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.”
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“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,” the statement ended.
Channel 10 did not provide a reason for LaPaglia’s axing, nor did they reveal who will be taking over as host. According to The Daily Mail, former contestant and upcoming Australia v The World player David Genat has been tapped to replace LaPaglia as host.
Fans and former players have been responding to the shocking news, with many taking to Instagram to share their reactions in the comments.
“Nooooo this is the worst news ever. I am beyond grateful I was able to play a returning season with you at the helm – can not imagine it any other way,” wrote Australia v The World castaway Sarah Tilleke. “You are a consummate professional and the perfect front man for the best game on earth. You’ll be sorely missed JLP – thank you for your service!!”
“Talk about brutal! We have all been completely robbed. You made this show with the players from the ground up. Always an icon! ” added Australian Survivor 2016 champion Kristie Bennett.
Two-time Australian Survivor player Nick Iadanza wrote, “Actually devastated! You are Australian Survivor and we are all so grateful to have had you leading it for players and fans alike. THANK YOU!!!!!”
“Can confirm blindsides sting. totally devastated with this news. thank you for being apart of my survivor journey and your endless ball jokes. will not be the same without you, JLP,” Brains V Brawn II castaway Logan Johannisen commented.
“You are the best host in the business @jonathanlapaglia . Let the game breathe, impartial and iconically hilarious. Your excellent hosting let the Episode 7 tribal council unfold the way it did because you had the skills and experience to just let it happen and let it keep going,” added three-timer player George Mladenov.
“My heart hurts JLP We all think you’re the freaking best! Thank you for making the last 10 years so epic. We’re so lucky to have had you!” said two-timer castaway Brooke Jowett.
What do you think of this shocking news? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Crazy decision by TEN ! Insane even….
What a horrible decision. He was my favorite Survivor host and one of the many reasons I love watching Australian Survivor over US Survivor. Can’t believe the network thought this was a good idea.
I’m Blindsided as a SUPER FAN. Only explanation would be that One GREAT in JLP takes over, for another GREAT in Jeff Probst.???? After 50.