Survivor UK 2023: Meet the cast competing on the BBC series
See who is in the running for the £100k prize
It's official, after more than 20 years away, Survivor UK is officially set to return to our screens very soon. The reality competition show first aired in 2001, and is now back and will see 18 new cast members compete to win £100,000 and the coveted title of 'Sole Survivor'.
Hosted by Joel Dommett, the 18 contestants are marooned on a tropical island and must compete in two tribes in a series of challenges that will push them to their limits, testing them physically and mentally, and ultimately seeing, who is happy to betray their fellow survivors.
Here's everything you need to know about the 18 cast members on Survivor UK.
Survivor UK cast - Ashleigh
Age: 34
From: London
Occupation: Brand Strategist
What made you want to be a contestant on Survivor UK?: "I love every opportunity to live life to the fullest and to challenge and push myself. Whether it’s in work e.g. starting my own business, in fitness with my boxing or in life and taking on skydiving, I have always wanted to test my limits. I suffer from imposter syndrome and struggle to believe in myself, so this is why I push myself, to try and find my limits. What better test to understand what I’m really capable of than the ultimate challenge - Survivor!"
Survivor UK cast - Christopher
Age: 36
From: Bridgend
Occupation: Singer/Songwriter
What qualities did you think you’d bring to the game?: "In a social game I can work very well as a team and look out for people if we click and care for each other. I love the sense of adventure and I think I bring the sense of warmth, openness and fun. I want people to feel comfortable around me and know that they can talk to me about anything.
"Equally, I think I have a very mischievous side, a side that wants to have fun and do my very best!I am extremely determined and knew that I would give it my all to do my best with no regrets. I believe I can adapt to any situation, I work well under pressure and I’m very easy to get along with which brings a good team spirit when working well as a tribe or as an individual."
Survivor UK cast - Doug
Age: 32
From: Isle of Mull
Occupation: Flood Risk Consultant
What made you want to be a contestant on Survivor UK?: "When I was younger I vividly remember watching the original UK Survivor back in 2002. As a family we loved the show, even going as far as re-enacting some of the original challenges. When I saw that it was returning to TV in the UK I wasted no time in putting my application in. Next thing I know – I’m on a desert island building a shelter from bamboo! I came on Survivor to make my family back home on Mull proud, and have the adventure of a lifetime.
Survivor UK cast - Hannah
Age: 30
From: London
Occupation: Semi-professional footballer
Did you have a strategy of how you were going to play the game?: "My strategy was all about using my communication skills, authenticity and social charm to build strong alliances. I wanted people to trust me and feel comfortable working with me. At the same time I didn't want to be underestimated physically so I aimed to showcase my strength when necessary."
Survivor UK cast - Jess
Age: 38
From: London
Occupation: Fitting model
How competitive are you?: "I’m quite competitive but it’s more a case of me being someone who will never give up."
Survivor UK cast - Laurence
Age: 29
From: London, born in Vienna, and raised in Costa Rica
Occupation: Entrepreneur, currently doing an MPhil in Artificial Intelligence Ethics at Cambridge
Did you have a strategy for how you were going to play the game?: "My aim was to play the role of harmless buffoon or village idiot (comes naturally!), and get along with my fellow tribemates, building strong relationships all while having a laugh. I aimed to avoid politics and would play a neutral Switzerland. The goal was to avoid coming across as a threat, and thereby placing a target on my back. Consistency and integrity – before bringing out the dagger when necessary!"
Survivor UK cast - Lee
Age: 28
From: Belfast (originally Limerick)
Occupation: Professional boxer
What kind of challenges were you most looking forward to in Survivor UK?: "I thought I would excel in physical head-to-head challenges, where it’s a similar discipline to boxing, it’s just you and one other.
Survivor UK cast - Leilani
Age: 45
From: Hertford
Occupation: Barista and cleaner at yoga studio
What made you want to be a contestant on Survivor UK?: "A friend saw the application and said I should apply, I was at a crossroads in my life and looking for a new direction so it came along at the perfect time."
Survivor UK cast - Matthew
Age: 21
From: Cumbria
Occupation: Hospitality
How did you prepare yourself mentally and physically for taking part?: "I was keeping fit by going running, plus me and my mates go swimming in lakes and rivers quite often and I live an active lifestyle, so I was excited and ready for the physical side! To prepare mentally I knew that I would need a game plan that could be easily adapted whenever needed. I expected emotions to run high and for there to be some tough decisions I was going to have to make, so I practiced staying calm and trying not to lose focus."
Survivor UK cast - Nathan
Age: 35
From: Manchester (originally London)
Occupation: Fitness Instructor & Operations Manager
How did you cope with living on a beach with no home comforts?: "In all honesty, I believe I thrived in this environment. It was great to be stripped back to nothing and not have to worry about all the things the modern world has taught us we need. The main thing I missed was my toothbrush."
Survivor UK cast - Pegleg
Age: 54
From: St Agnes
Occupation: Surf School Owner
How did you prepare yourself mentally and physically for taking part?: "I built a couple of challenges in the garden and doubled my normal training schedule.Mentally I knew I had what it takes as a lifetime of overcoming preconceived ideas of disability has prepared me well."
Survivor UK cast - Rachel
Age: 40
From: Whitstable
Occupation: Insurance Claims Handler
What made you want to be a contestant on Survivor UK?: "I have always been an adventurous, strong, outdoorsy, sporty person who loves a challenge and my mum knew I had wanted to take part in a show like this for years so when she saw an advert for contestants online she tagged me in it. My motivation was that I wanted my children to know that not having a dad around does not mean that one parent isn’t enough and to show them that anything can be achieved if you put your mind to it."
Survivor UK cast - Rach
Age: 23
From: Glasgow
Occupation: Personal trainer
What qualities did you think you’d bring to the game?: "I knew going in that my physical strength would be my strongest attribute. I have a really strong mindset and that is something you need in Survivor UK. I think people think that it is all about physical strength, but it’s really not. If you don’t have a strong mindset you will struggle, it is one of the most gruelling game shows on earth."
Survivor UK cast - Ren
Age: 28
From: London
Occupation: Network Data Scientist
What made you want to be a contestant on Survivor UK?: "Survivor has been my all-time favourite show since I found it when I was 14, ‘obsessed’ is an understatement. It combines so many things I love into this intense and awesome package where you get to do stuff you don’t get to regularly as an adult. I also just love the mental and social aspects of the game – it's not about playing the game you want to play, it’s about playing the game the jury wants to see you play."
Survivor UK cast - Richard
Age: 36
From: Dalkeith, Scotland
Occupation: Pensions Manager / RAF Reservist
Did you have a strategy of how you were going to play the game?: "I wanted to try to be in the middle of the pack and look for opportunities that I could use to my advantage. All the while enjoying the game and experience."
Survivor UK cast - Sabrina
Age: 45
From: Stroud
Occupation: Charity founder
What made you want to be a contestant on Survivor UK?: "It hit me at the right time! If you were told on a cold UK winters night about a show that was highly likely to be filmed on a tropical island, involved physical and mental challenges, and meant you couldn’t be contacted for the whole time you were there - wouldn’t you be interested?!"
Survivor UK cast - Shai
Age: 33
From: London
Occupation: Finance Risk Manager
What made you want to be a contestant on Survivor UK?: "Being a super fan! I remember watching the show as an 11 year old in Sri Lanka where I grew up till the age of 17 and have watched most previous seasons across the 23 year period. When the opportunity arose, I jumped at it! Who wouldn’t want to be stranded on a random island with nothing but basic rations against a bunch of random strangers, competing in the best game ever!"
Survivor UK cast - Tinuke
Age: 30
From: London
Occupation: Professional Roller Skater & Adventurer
What qualities did you think you’d bring to the game?: "I’m a disco dynamite London babe, always up for a good laugh and can brighten up a group with vibes, singing, twerking, a cartwheel and laughter! I can also bring a calmer side and enjoy talking about spirituality and grounding anyone in a stressful moment. I am a good mediator of people in arguments and recognise that keeping a positive mindset will get you a long way, nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself! You don’t always have to be the strongest person in the group, you just need to be able to know how to use your body."
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