A good chunk of the nation was left heartbroken after it was officially announced that Jonathan LaPaglia had been fired from his role as host of Australian Survivor.
In June, the network confirmed that Jonathan had been let go, and in August, it was revealed that former Australian Survivor winner David Genat was taking over the gig, starting with Australian Survivor 2026.
While fans who loved Jonathan as host have expressed outrage and even started a petition to get him back, a technical twist gave hope that he may return to the show.
Woman’s Day reported that Channel 10’s rights to Australian Survivor were set to expire next year, and said that Jonathan was already in talks with Channel 9, which hopes to acquire the popular reality show.
“Network Ten’s rights to Australian Survivor are set to expire next year and everyone is worried that the show could be snapped up by a rival network,” a TV producer told the publication.
However, Channel 10 has ruled out the rumour that Australian Survivor will be changing networks in the near future.
Insider claims Jonathan LaPaglia is in talks to return as host of Australian Survivor
If Channel 9 were to try and acquire Survivor next year, it wouldn’t be the first time they’ve taken a show from Channel 10.
“Everyone is expecting Channel Nine to make a play for the show — they’ve already stolen The Bachelor franchise from Network Ten and The Golden Bachelor so it would be just another sign of Nine giving another reality TV franchise a second life on their network,” the Woman’s Day source said.
The publication reported that Channel 9 have already “promised” to reinstate Jonathan’s job as host if they were to score Australian Survivor.
“There’s no doubt that Nine would bring back Jonathan LaPaglia and that would be the perfect way to make some noise and get the franchise back on track,” the insider said, adding, “I don’t see this as the end of Jonathan’s time in the Australian Survivor universe.”
Channel 10 shutdown rumours that Australian Survivor is moving networks
Shortly after the rumours of the network switch-up and Jonathan LaPaglia‘s possible return started circulating, Channel 10 confirmed that they have a multi-year deal with both Australian Survivor, and David as host.
“10 has a multi-year deal for both the show and the new host. The only place to watch Australian Survivor is on 10,” a spokesperson told Daily Mail.
Reactions to David Genat being announced as the new Australian Survivor host
Immediately after David Genat‘s elimination from Survivor: Australia v The World aired on Tuesday night, his new hosting role was revealed.
“I have so much respect for Australian Survivor. This game has changed my life. I love the players, I love the community of fans and I love the crew who make it happen. As the new host of Australian Survivor, I won’t let you down,” The joint post between David and the show’s official Instagram account read.
While many of the comments were supportive of David’s new gig, a lot of fans aired their devastation that Jonathan had been let go from the franchise.
“Wishing you all the very best! I’ll miss JLP but you are a brilliant replacement,” one person wrote.
“The end of an iconic era with JLP, but I’m so excited to see @davidgenat serving it at tribal and snuffing those torches! Congrats dear friend. A worthy rival, and now a most worthy host!” Two-time Australian Survivor contestant Sharn Coombes wrote.
Survivor: Australia v The World airs at 7pm on Sundays, and 7:30pm on Mondays and Tuesdays on Channel 10 and 10Play.
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