Get your torches ready!
Australian Survivor is returning this coming Monday night, and we've never been more excited: seriously.
This year, the show will attempt to answer: is blood thicker than water? There will be 24 contestants, with each of them coming into the game as a pair with a member of their own family.
From returning contestants, MasterChef Australia royalty and a famous parenting influencer, this season is sure to deliver. And after the last couple of amazing seasons, the pressure is on.
Here's everything you'll want to know about the 24 cast members, including where to follow them on Instagram.
Watch: Australian Survivor Blood V Water trailer. Post continues below.
Video via Network 10.
Mark and Sam: Husband and wife.
Mark and Sam were actually on Australian Survivor season two, where the two struck up a romance. They ultimately fell in love, got married and now have a son together.
In their real lives, Mark is a former Australia soldier and SAS Commander. Sam is an endurance runner who also co-founded a female trail and adventure platform offering programs and retreats.
Last time Mark played Survivor, he thought being fit and strong would be enough to go far in the game, but he quickly realised the importance of having a social game: an understanding he plans to bring to his second season.
As for Sam's mantra this time round: "composure and calm, this is a marathon not a sprint."
Mark Australian Survivor Instagram: @mark.a.wales
Sam Australian Survivor Instagram: @samanthagash
Jordan and Josh: Cousins.
Interestingly, pilot Josh considers himself a Survivor armchair expert and is excited to see if he can execute the physical, social, and strategic gameplay in real life. He has also bought some flint and learnt the basics of fire, plus some basic knot tying skills.
Jordan on the other hand, plans on throwing himself "head first" into the game, ready to see what he is truly made of.
"It's a shared experience and you've got to be lucky to get on the show, let alone get with your cousin. It's all fun for us, we won't take anything too seriously," the pair said.
Couldn't have said it better ourselves.
Jordan Australian Survivor Instagram: @j_schmidt92
Josh Australian Survivor Instagram: @jmillgate
KJ and Sophie: Sisters.
"I think we'll play our own game as we're two very different people. I'll try to play the game in line with my values and who I am here on the outside," KJ noted.
Sophie said: "I know how well-prepared KJ is so I'll be going to her for advice, strategy, game play, what I would do in a certain situation."
Some may recognise the brunette sister, her name is Sophie Cachia: a mother of two, a sleepwear entrepreneur and the founder of hugely successful parenting blog The Young Mummy.
Sophie carved out a career for herself in the social media sphere, where she shares her life with her thousands of loyal followers, known as one of Instagram's original 'mum influencers'.
Sophie also appeared on an episode of No Filter with Mia Freedman, where she shared her story. You can listen to it in full here.
Listen to the latest episode of The Spill, where the ladies discuss the latest Australian Survivor cast lineup. Post continues after audio.
A bonus for the sisters is that Kate is a great fisher who also isn't afraid to get her hands dirty, and Sophie's savvy business skills can come in handy strategy-wise.
Sophie Cachia Australian Survivor Instagram: @sophiecachia_
KJ Australian Survivor Instagram: @kate_kj_austin
Jesse and Jordie: Brothers.
As a landscaper by trade, Jordie is used to digging holes and getting himself out of them.
Jesse, a triathlete, is looking forward to the challenges, aiming to push through any physical or mental boundaries to get there.
Jesse said: "I intend to make big moves but probably not early on. I am coming to play and not be a number."
As for what Jordie has to say? "I've learnt to make fire with flint as well as some physical training."
Smart man!
Jesse Australian Survivor Instagram: @jessehansentri
Jordie Australian Survivor Instagram: @jordie.hansen
Andy and Kate: Siblings.
The poker player and advertising consultant was in Australian Survivor: Champions V Contenders, but went home early for showing his strategic side too soon. The 2022 season is now Andy's shot at redemption.
"I'm ready to try and play a more honest, fun, and good-natured game this time around. My best chance is probably if they replace all of the physical endurance challenges with puzzles! That might be a long-shot though," he said.
As for Kate, she sees this season as an opportunity for her to take a chance on herself and experience life to the fullest.
"I think my game plan is to not have a game plan. Being flexible and adaptable in my daily thought process will hopefully get me through the game. It's a lifetime worth of Christmas lunch memories and conversations to be had!"
Kate Australian Survivor Instagram: @andys_little_sister
Andy Australian Survivor Instagram: @andymeldrum.au
Sandra and Nina: Mother and daughter.
Sandra is a two-time US Survivor winner and now she is ready to take on Australian Survivor and defend her international Survivor throne. Self-labelled as "sassy and outspoken", she has been part of US Survivor five times, she is excited to be playing with a family member for the very first time.
As for Nina, she said: "I have watched multiple seasons of Australian Survivor specifically, and began doing mental exercises, like meditation, to try and learn how I can keep myself calm and alert out there. I am most looking forward to the challenges. I can get competitive, and I can’t wait to get that rush of adrenaline when Jonathan says: 'Survivors ready?'"
Sandra Diaz Australian Survivor Instagram: @sassysdt
Nina Australian Survivor Instagram: @nina_untwined
Ben and Shayelle: Partners.
As for what the strategy is going into the game, Ben said they plan on taking it one step at a time, but are open to whatever comes their way.
"We're both going in to play our own game, but not knowing what we're up against in Survivor, we're just going to be happy to adapt. I have the urge, desire, strength and ability to push whoever I need to out of my way to get me to the end."
Given the power couple regularly share snaps at the gym, it also makes sense that they are most looking forward to the Survivor challenges.
The couple also realise the value of having each other on their Survivor journeys, especially when the going gets tough.
"Having him there will be priceless in terms of support. I struggle to not get caught up in my emotions sometimes, so I have to force myself to think my way out it," Shayelle said.
Shayelle Australian Survivor Instagram: @shayellelajoie
Ben Australian Survivor Instagram: @benywatson
Mel and Michelle: Identical twins.
Michelle is a speech pathologist and Mel is a chiropractor.
Mel is a Survivor super-fan, who wears her heart on her sleeve but is a keen strategist and loves the psychology behind the game. Similarly, Michelle has built a career on communication and prides herself on catching people out in their lies.
As for whether the pair are keen to make some big moves?
"Abso-freakin-lutely! If you even have a chance on going on the greatest show on earth and not going to make any big moves – why bother applying?" the pair both said.
Mel Australian Survivor Instagram: @mel.chiang
Michelle Australian Survivor Instagram: @miche.chiang
Alex and Jay: In-laws.
Alex's last name is Frost. Rings a bell? He is Sam Frost's brother.
As for Jay, he is Sam's former boyfriend. Even though the couple are no longer together, Alex and Jay have remained super close.
Jay is a drummer and Alex is a warehouse operator. If Alex were to win the cash prize at the end, he says he will spend big: "limo, champagne, money showers… then invest it as well as donate some to a local charity."
A super fan of the game, Alex wants to fly under the radar secretly making moves, while Jay is relaxed but also determined and competitive.
The pair shared: "Our strategy is not to blend in but to go with the flow because you don't know what's going to happen, you don't know who's there and who you're in with."
Alex Australian Survivor Instagram: @abitfrosty
Jay Australian Survivor Instagram: @bayjruno
Amy and Khanh: Siblings.
MasterChef Australia fan favourite Khanh is back on our TV screens and we couldn't be happier about it. Now whether he can make rice, beans and coconut taste any decent is a whole other story...
Khanh will be side-by-side with his sister Amy.
Amy says she is ready to make a name for herself after living in her older brother’s shadow, while Khanh has a burning desire to win the title.
Khanh noted: "There is no strategy from either of us going in. We want to have some fun and see what happens. We're both very social people so we'll rely on that, we both find it easy to make friends."
But Amy should keep an eye out for her brother this season.
"What's a better way of winning Survivor than saying I cut my own family member to get to the end?!" he said.
Khanh Australian Survivor Instagram: @khanhong
Amy Australian Survivor Instagram: @amyonng
Chrissy and Croc: In-Laws.
She knows little about Survivor. She's done no training or planning before starting the game. She's playing in Survivor because her brother-in-law Michael 'Croc' Crocker has always dreamt of being part of the game.
Croc is another familiar face for sporting enthusiasts, the 41-year-old an ex NRL player for clubs like Melbourne Storm and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Chrissy's game plan is "to be known but not feared in any way. To sit in the middle pack and observe." As for Croc, he hopes his observation skills and brute physical strength will bring him the crown of sole Survivor.
Chrissy Australian Survivor Instagram: @chrissyzaremba
Croc Australian Survivor Instagram: @mm_crocker
David and Briana: Father and daughter.
Briana is a digital producer who is all about entertaining people and being a social butterfly.
Whereas David, a project manager, is "the skull crusher": the guy who will lay down the law and take strategy to the next level.
"As a project manager, I know how to make tough ruthless calls when need be. No one will expect the ruthlessness. [My daughter and I] we're both ambitious, both fierce," he said.
As for what Briana's biggest fear is about Survivor?
"Not playing a big enough game. The last thing I want to be is boring: simply not my flavour. I show up to play!"
David Australian Survivor Instagram: @dgood3105
Briana Australian Survivor Instagram: @brianagoodchild
Australian Survivor: Blood V Water premieres on Network 10 at 7:30pm Monday January 31.
We want to hear about your version of Family! Complete this survey to go in the running to win a $100 gift voucher.
Top Comments