Australia, get ready for a not-so-new revamped version of Australian Survivor, with a new host, returning contestants, and the chance for Redemption. All coming to our screens on Monday, 23 February 2026, on Channel 10 and 10Play.
That’s right, again, Australian Survivor is re-enlisting some previous contestants/castaways and offering them a chance to rewrite their stories on the show and have another chance at winning Sole Survivor.
Who are the contestants on Australian Survivor: Redemption?
Returning: Simon Mee
Simon is returning to Australian Survivor for his third time. He previously participated in Brains V Brawn and Heroes V Villains.
After the announcement of the next season, Simon shared his excitement on his Instagram, writing, “Every ending has a new beginning. The final chapter in the trilogy… REDEMPTION 🔥”
Carpenter and media personality, Simon, launched a merchandise brand, Snuff’d, inspired by his time on the show. Its name is a reference to getting your torch snuffed. It has been quiet for some time (since 2023), but perhaps with Simon returning once again to the show, we might see more merch on offer.
In the sneak peek for the upcoming season, it looks like Simon and Harry Hills are in an alliance and plan to take over the tribe.
Returning: Brooke Jowett
Fitness professional Brooke is back again for her third time on the show. The mum of one played in the very first season of the show and in season five: All Stars alongside the incoming host, David Genat.
Brooke also took to Instagram to share her excitement: “Back where it all began. 10 years later, third time around, and with a much bigger reason to win. She’s back, baby! LET’S GO.”
In the season’s preview, Brooke teases new host David Genat. Saying, “Nice of you to give someone else the chance to win some money this time.”
Returning: Harry Hills
Another contestant back for their third try is Harry, the ice cream maker, aka Dirty Harry. Harry made it all the way to day 49 and just missed out on the final tribal council in season four, Champions Vs Contenders and returned for the following season, All Stars, where the new host, David Genat, claimed Sole Survivor.
“Redemption for me is bulldozing my way through this game and win half a million dollars,” he says in the sneak peek.
As mentioned, Harry and Simon also appear to be in an alliance, but who is leading it? Harry says it’s him in the preview.
“Yes, I’m driving the bus,” he giggles to David. “Someone’s got to.”
Returning: Mark Warnock
The final returning player is the former diplomat, Mark Warnock. Mark previously played in season nine: Titans V Rebels. He made it all the way to the final three but wasn’t chosen to go to the final tribal council, as he had a strong resume.
Following the news of his involvement for the upcoming season, Mark also took to Instagram to share his thoughts: “I’m just happy to be at the table with these legends.”
In the sneak peek for the season, Mark shares that he’s here for redemption…but also for vengeance.
He calls himself “unstoppable” in the preview…And it looks like newcomer Jackson has Mark in his sights…
Newcomer: Johnson Ashak
Swapping Big Brother for Samoa is Johnson Ashak. Johnson was the runner-up of Big Brother Australia in 2023.
Writing on Instagram, following the news, Johnson said: “Let the games begin! I’ll be trading the Big Brother house for the Samoan jungle. Did I take Big Brother’s diary room, bed, shower and lounge for granted? Let’s find out. Hopefully, I can survive without my barber.”
In the preview, Johnson calls out tribemate, Cat, for “throwing me in the fire.” We wonder what led to that moment…
Newcomer: Cat Hooker
Another new starter swapping reality television shows is Occupational Therapist Cat Hooker. Cat previously appeared on the second season of The Traitors New Zealand. She was a strong, independent Faithful who lasted all the way to the penultimate episode. Her skills at staying clear of a vote could come in handy in Samoa…
Newcomer: Lyndl Kean
Model and content creator Lyndl Kean is one of the newcomers this season. She shared her excitement with a post on Instagram stating, “I’ve always loved pushing my limits and challenging myself, but nothing compares to this. Throughout my life, I’ve often been underestimated, and this experience isn’t about proving anyone wrong; it’s about proving to myself what I’m truly capable of.
Survivor removes all of life’s comforts and tests courage. I’ve never felt more vulnerable while excited to show my true self, my personality and resilience with this wild challenge. 💫 Let’s play! 🔥”
Her partner, and former Bachelor Australia star, Dr Matt Agnew, shared his support on Instagram as well. The two went public with their relationship in June 2025.
Newcomer: Don Rogers
Following in the footsteps of his brother, Mat Rogers, who played in two seasons of Australian Survivor: Champions V Contenders and All Stars, is country music singer Don Rogers.
Writing on Instagram, Don said: So in keeping with the family tradition & following in the footsteps of ‘The Godfather’, my bro, Mat Rogers…Make sure ya’s tune in legends coz it’s one heck of a ride!!!”
Newcomer: Eliza Reilly
Writer, director and performer Eliza Reilly is also heading to Samoa for the next season of Australian Survivor. Eliza has some fantastic credits to her name; she co-created the comedy web series SHEILAS with her sister about the forgotten women of Australian history, which was then developed into a book.
Eliza was also a script editor on Mother and Son and wrote, directed and performed in ABC1’s Growing up Gracefully, co-hosted the FBI’s Girls Gone Mild show, to name just a couple.
She confirmed her participation in a post on Instagram alongside the caption: “My travel agent has some explaining to do…”
Newcomer: Aisha Wighton
In addition to being an NDIS support worker, Aisha, a Wiradjuri woman currently living in Meeanjin (Brisbane), is also a burgeoning actress! She made her screen debut at SXSW Sydney 2025 with the short film Deadly.
She revealed her inclusion with an Instagram post, captioned: “That lovely “retreat” I went on was actually just me starving on an island competing to win half a mil.”
Newcomer: Lottie Rae
You might recognise this newcomer from ABC’s Portrait Artist of the Year, who painted Ken Done in the series’s premiere episode. We’re sure to get to know the artist very well in the upcoming season of Australian Survivor!
In one of the previews, it looks like Lottie will try to take on Harry and Simon. Will we be rooting for the newbie?
Newcomer: Jackson Goonrey
Pro-wrestler Jackson Goonrey, aka Scott Green (his stage name), is also making his way to the Samoan jungle.
He shared a video on his social media account to share a little about who he is and about how thrilled he is to be joining the Survivor community. Watch it here.
“Physically, this is the best shape I’ve ever been in,” Jackson said in a statement. “I put on some weight, I’m looking strong, I’m looking big. So I’m keen to impress in physical challenges. Socially, I’m aware, I know what people think, where to go, and strategically, I look like a big puppy dog.”
Could he be a triple threat?
Newcomer: Ben Nabea Davis
Artist and AFL Indigenous talent lead, Ben Nabea Davis, is also joining this season of Australian Survivor. Ben confirmed his inclusion on Instagram, saying he had a “new side quest unlocked.”
A proud Sabai and Waiben Islander man from the Torres Strait and artist, Ben, was chosen to be the 2024 SDNR artist and designed the ball for that season, marking the first time a Torres Strait design was on the ball. Watch his reel on the project here.
Newcomer: Dr Blanche Cruz
Acupuncturist and fitness instructor, Dr Blanche Cruz, is also heading to Samoa for the next season of Australian Survivor. Blanche confirmed the news on her social media account, stating that “I’ve traded in my acupuncture needles and gym sessions for flaming torches, next level challenges, and the ultimate island adventure! From wild twists to unforgettable moments, this has been one of the most intense and life-changing experiences ever. Get ready to cheer me on as I attempt to outwit, outplay, and outlast in the wilds of Samoa.”
She also shared a video in which she gives some light spoilers and explanations of acupuncture points in a separate video.
Newcomer: Caleb Beeby
Truck driver Caleb is another newcomer to this season of Australian Survivor: Redemption. He confirmed his participation on his socials with a cheeky comment: “Time to get paranoid in Paradise baby…”
Described by Channel 10 as a “loveable larrakin with a passion for adventure”, Caleb has left his pet python Bower at home for a change at sinning sole survivor.
“My whole life I’ve loved putting myself out of my comfort zone. In any kind of situation, I feel like I work best when the chips are down, when I’m tired, when I’m knackered. I feel like I can pull energy out of nowhere.”
Newcomer: Daniel Lindberg
Dubbed “Pastor Daniel” by the Australian Survivor announcement, Daniel is originally from North Sydney but moved over west to Port Hedland last year.
After the news broke that Daniel was joining the show, he posted online saying: “✅ Tropical Island ✅ Good Company ❌ Enough Food.”
He believes the other contestants may “underestimate” him because he’s a pastor. Check out the preview below:
Newcomer: Lauren “Loz” Mac
Loz looks like a real contender for survival situations. Last year, the “stay-at-home” survival and outdoors enthusiast went through her own redemption arc and took part in a bushcraft training course in Tonga, followed by a trek up mountains in Africa, and started a bushcraft and survival training course for women.
No doubt, those skills she has gleaned through her experiences will be an asset in Samoa for Australian Survivor. Heck, she is even a contender for Alone Australia!
Newcomer: Richard Skimin
“CEO” Richard is swapping boardrooms for beaches on this season of Australian Survivor. The long-distance runner is the CEO and co-founder of Crowdcoder, former CEO of InstantScripts, and was Managing Director of news.com.au back in 2020. He definitely has the boardroom skills to manoeuvre his fellow contestants.
“Let’s see if strategy, endurance and a little humanity can outlast the elements and outwit these castaways,” Richard said on Instagram. “Time to test every skill I’ve ever used in business, leadership and life.”
Newcomer: Sally Foord
Referred to as “student” Sally. She shared the parts of her audition tape that got edited out on her Instagram following the announcement.
Channel 10 has also described her as a “vintage clothing reseller” who’s studying creative writing while working a few jobs, including at her partner’s cactus nursery, at a cafe and selling vintage clothing.
She shared in the premiere episode that part of the reason she applied for the show was in memory of her brother, who passed away five years ago.
“I’m going to be with my brother out here the entire time I’m on the island. Most people won’t even get to have their family out here, but my brother’s going be with me every single step of the way. He’s never gone, he’s always with me.”
Newcomer: Tez Vlamis
Currently doing a Master’s in Criminal Law, Tez has been watching Survivor since he was 6 years old and is ready to put all his studies to the test.
He reckons his social game is his superpower: “Survivor is a social game. If you’re not able to form strong social bonds, you’re probably in trouble.”
This superfan is also planning on using his Survivor knowledge as an edge in the game.
“Knowing the game is going to give me a huge edge in Survivor because I know the different strategies. I know what moves need to be made.”
Newcomer: Faith Setiawan
Described as a chef by Channel 10, she’s sure to be popular come meal time at the camp. But she’s definitely ready to play. As she said on her Instagram: “I’ll do absolutely anything for the plot.”
Alongside her business, she also homeschools four of her five children! Faith spent her childhood on the road with a travelling country folk music family band, so she’s used to unconventional hours and walks of life.
Travelling taught me the most resilience. It taught me that there is no limit to how far I can go so I can push myself when things are hard, I just don’t have that limit. I can work hard. And so Survivor, for me – piece of cake.”
Newcomer: Paula Drew
According to this emergency and critical care vet nurse’s Instagram post, she had her friends convinced she was in Europe when she was actually in Samoa, battling it out on Survivor!
She’s also an Australasian Croupier Champion! Dealing poker for over 10 years.
“I’ve dealt to members of Parliament, I’ve dealt to Royalty. Anyone you can imagine that is famous, rich, fancy, I’ve met them, and I’ve taken their money as well.”
She’s bound to use her skills at reading people to her advantage on Survivor! In fact, she nearly made it onto the show seven years ago but had to bow out for health reasons. Now she’s back and ready for Redemption.
Newcomer: Cameron Kwabena Quashie
Cameron is an amateur MMA fighter, ranked as a featherweight, who lives in Melbourne.
He moved to Australia from the UK when he was 11 years old and moved in with his large extended family, so he’s used to juggling personalities. Additionally, he’s a youth worker and knows how to build trust.
“I’ve made it my mission to see young people for their value and for their worth, rather than the stories that they tell themselves.”
Add that social skill with his mixed martial arts…we could have a sole survivor contender!
Newcomer: Keeley
Keeley is a fraud prevention specialist who loves travelling. She’s worked for over ten years as an anti-financial crime analyst and is hoping her skills will give her an edge in the jungle.
“The more time you spend with someone, the more you begin to learn their natural cues versus when they’re being deceptive or manipulative.”
Who else is taking part?
Channel 10 is tight-lipped on who else is taking part in the next season of Australian Survivor. Other than releasing their names and faces.
We will update this post with who these newcomers are as soon as we know!
When does Australian Survivor: Redemption premiere?
The next season of Australian Survivor: Redemption starts on Monday, 23 February, 2026 at 7pm on 10 and stream free on 10 Play.
For more information on this season, head to our post here.
