Survivor confirms Joel Dommett as host of brand new UK series

2000s reality show Survivor is to return with a brand new series on BBC One.

The BBC has confirmed it is rebooting the show with a 16-part run which “promises 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.”

Filmed in the Dominican Republic, 20 carefully selected from across the UK will be desert castaways at a remote point, where they will form rival societies as they play “the ultimate strategic and social game”.

“They’ll form their own tribal societies, catch their own food, build their own shelter and compete against each other in epic challenges for reward or immunity. Those who win immunity are safe from being voted out of the game at the iconic Tribal Council.

“At each Tribal Council, each tribe must vote out one of their own, until the Sole Survivor emerges and wins a life-changing £100,000 cash prize.”

The series will be hosted by Joel Dommett who said: “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!”

Survivor originally aired for just two series on ITV In 2001 and 2002 however in the US it has aired more than 40 seasons since 2000. 2022 marks the show’s 25th anniversary having first premiered in Sweden in 1997.

“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.”

“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.”

First airing in Sweden in 1997, 50 adaptations have been commissioned around the world to date.

ITV was first to attempt Survivor UK back in 2001, but the series lasted only two seasons before getting the axe, with some commenting at the time that it fizzled due to a lack of support from the broadcaster.

Applications for the upcoming season are still open, but you’ll have to get in quick as they close on March 6.

Further details, including casting and broadcast date, are to be announced.