Replacing an Australian Survivor host as beloved as Jonathan LaPaglia (JLP) is not something we’d wish on anyone, but model and former contestant David Genat is rising to the challenge. A three-time Australian Survivor contestant and one-time winner, this year’s Redemption season is David’s first time on hosting duties. So far, however, fan reactions to David’s turn on the show are divided.
“David’s hosting is awkward,” laments one fan in the Australian Survivor Fans Facebook group. “To be an MC, you have to know how to talk to people… you need to have a natural interest and curiosity in others. That way, when you ask them questions, it comes off as genuine. Models notoriously DO NOT know how to talk to people. And it shows.”
Others said that it’s unfair to judge David in the role so quickly. “The complaining from everyone about how David isn’t the same as JLP is extremely annoying,” reads another post. “OF COURSE HE ISN’T. Who here hasn’t walked into a new job on Day 1 and has been on the same level as someone who has been doing the job for ten years?” The fan pointed out that JLP was also “pretty rubbish as a host” in his first couple of seasons and that he had to grow into the role.
Plenty of other fans were similarly supportive of David’s hosting chops. “Nah, he is doing just fine,” wrote one fan. “I didn’t even notice JLP is gone.” Another fan wrote that David has been a “breath of fresh air and someone who loved the game for what it is,” adding that he’s “so personable and charismatic.” Another says they’ve “heard from multiple people that he warms up into the role.”
Others took a more balanced approach, with one commenter calling for everyone to stop whinging. “JLP was amazing, but he is now gone. Everyone needs to just move on. Complaining won’t bring him back.” Another commenter said, “There isn’t a damn thing the man, or for that matter any man could do to keep everyone happy. Can you imagine the uproar if they chose a female host?”
Ahead of the new season, in a Reddit AMA, David revealed that the network had decided to axe LGP before he was chosen as the new host.
“I wasn’t looking at it like taking JLP’s spot because he wasn’t going to be returning after Aus v The World, regardless of who took over. I knew others were being cast, so I was really happy to get the chance to audition and get the role,” he spilled.
Australian Survivor airs Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel 10 and 10Play.
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