Survivor UK: Who's hosting and how to submit an application to be a contestant

Survivor UK is returning to TV screens after the BBC confirmed it was launching a brand new version of the ultimate physical and psychological gameshow but who's hosting and how can you submit an application?

The return of I'm A Celebrity 2022 in Australia will prepare fans for the return of Survivor UK in 2023 and fans are already asking where is BBC's Survivor filmed?

There will be 16 x 60-minute episodes of Survivor that promise viewers a compelling test of brains, brawn and betrayal as players compete to outwit, out play and outlast their rivals to be crowned the Ultimate Survivor.

Twenty people, carefully selected from across the UK will be marooned in a tropical location. They will be divided into two tribes, going head-to-head in a range of physical and psychological challenges. Following a number of eliminations that will take place at the iconic tribal council, the tribes will eventually merge before one person takes away a cash prize and proves that they have what it takes to be the Ultimate Survivor.

News of a reboot have circulated since 2017, as we look at all you need to know about the confirmed show...

Where can I watch Survivor UK?

You can watch Survivor UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer when it returns in 2023. In the US it is also available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or the Roku Channel. The BBC is yet to confirm the start date but Kate Phillips, director of Unscripted at the BBC said, “Survivor is a global television hit and to be able to bring one of TV’s most successful formats to audiences in the UK in a uniquely BBC way is a very exciting prospect indeed.”

BBC Press Office teased, "Who will be the Ultimate Survivor? We'll find out in 2023 when 20 people from across the UK are marooned in a tropical location in two tribes and go head-to-head in a range of physical and psychological challenges. Survivor is coming."

Who hosts Survivor UK?

Survivor UK reboot will be hosted by The Masked Singer presenter Joel Dommett. Joel shared the news with his followers by uploading a snippet of the news announcement and he captioned it, "Big news - SURVIVOR IS BACK! Really excited to be trusted with this - it’s one of the biggest formats in the world and its gonna be SO GOOD bbc"

In an official release he shared his excitement at the role, "I’m the new host of the UK‘s Survivor! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! A huge thank you to the BBC for trusting me with this. It’s such a hugely popular format all over the world and I’m super excited to help bring it to our sweet little country. Let the tribal councils BEGIN!”

Natalka Znak, CEO of Remarkable Entertainment, Initial and Znak TV, explained, "Not only is Survivor one of the biggest shows on TV, we are thrilled to have one of the biggest talents on TV host it. Joel's infectious wit and energy are second to none - I can’t wait to watch as he leads our Survivor contestants through their epic battle!”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment for the BBC added, ”Having Joel on board is brilliant! With his natural comedic charm we are thrilled that he is going to be on hand guiding, encouraging and challenging our contestants as they all try to be the sole survivor!”

Survivor UK application

You can apply to be a contestant on Survivor UK by applying on the website to take part, applications are now open and close on March 6th 2023. 

When did Survivor UK start?

Survivor UK started back in 2001 when it was first aired on ITV for two series until 2002 when it was scrapped by the broadcaster. It had to compete with Big Brother for viewers as this had also launched at the time. And in 2023 Big Brother is also making a return to screens.

Natalka Znak, CEO Remarkable Entertainment added, “Survivor is ‘the greatest gameshow on earth’ for a reason - it has everything - reality, adventure, drama, and the ultimate game. I can’t wait to be boots on the ground, working with Paul Osborne, Stephen Lovelock and the fantastic team at Remarkable to make this epic series for the BBC.”

It first aired in Sweden in 1997. In 2022, the US 43rd season was the No.1 unscripted show in fall on CBS and the No.1 unscripted show on Wednesday nights with 6.7m viewers on average.

You can watch the original trailer below. 

Who won Survivor UK?

Charlotte Hoborough won the first series of Survivor UK, while Police detective Jonny Gibb was named the "Ultimate Survivor" in the second series of Survivor UK. Following the premise of other versions of the format, the show featured a group of contestants who became castaways as they are marooned in an isolated location, where they must provide food, water, fire, and shelter for themselves. 

The contestants competed in challenges for rewards and immunity from elimination. The contestants are progressively eliminated from the game as they are voted off the island by their fellow castaways. The final castaway remaining is awarded the title of "Ultimate Survivor" and a monetary prize.

Survivor, a Banijay format created by Charlie Parsons, is one of the most watched reality entertainment formats around the world. Celebrating 25 years this year, (the format was first employed in 1997 in Sweden), the show has gone on to be ranked as the ‘Number 1 Best Reality Show of All Time’ by Variety. 50 versions have been commissioned around the world to date, and the CBS version of the show from the USA will soon be airing its 43rd series.

Related Reality Show Features:

• Who is replacing Ken Bruce on Radio 2?
• Where is Sarah Lancashire from, does she have children and who is her husband?
• BBC's 24/7 Pet Hospital: Where it's filmed and how many episodes
• The Gold TV series: Cast and is it based on a true story?
• Sort Your Life Out Season 2: When is it on and where to watch it?

Video of the week