Spoiler alert. 10 confirms industry rumours with ex-contestant turned host David Genat saying “Survivor is not about me; it’s about the incredible players.”

Spoiler alert.

Network 10 has confirmed David Genat as host of Australian Survivor succeeding Jonathan LaPaglia after 11 seasons.

Filming is now underway in Samoa for Australian Survivor: Redemption, the 12th season on 10, with ‘Golden God’ Genat.

The choice as host is a bold move by 10 given his on screen persona has been abrasive, full of swagger and manipulation. But media speculation abounds that the network was cutting costs and LaPaglia was reportedly too expensive.

Genat first competed on Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders in 2019 before returning to win Australian Survivor: All Stars the following year. But luck was not on his side in Survivor: Australia v The World, voted out by the Australian tribe at their first opportunity.

He also hosted the short-lived reality series Rush for Nine before going on to win a staggering A$9.17m on Deal or No Deal Island in the USA.

“I love Australian Survivor. It truly is the greatest game on earth so getting to come back as host after playing three times is such an honour,” said Genat.

“But Survivor is not about me; it’s about the incredible players who put everything on the line to outwit, outplay, and outlast.

“I am pumped for the fans to meet the new crop of Survivors next season.”

Daniel Monaghan, SVP Content and Programming, Paramount Australia, said: “As Australian Survivor moves into its 12th season, it’s no secret there’s been a change at the helm.

“As we step into this exciting new era, there was simply no better person to pass the baton to – David’s track record, not just on Survivor but across reality TV worldwide, is unrivalled, and there’s no one with more real-time experience and game knowledge to help steer this epic season.

“Survivor has always been about the players who pour their heart and soul into every moment, and this new batch of castaways certainly have their work cut out for them, as we introduce our thrilling new theme: Redemption – giving everyday contestants a chance to rewrite their story for a shot at greatness.”

Australian Survivor: Redemption will premiere in 2026 on 10.