Jonathan LaPaglia was 'blindsided' by his Australian Survivor replacement.

In what could be the biggest shake-up in Australian reality TV history, Jonathan LaPaglia has officially been replaced as the host of Australian Survivor ahead of the show's 2026 season.

JLP's departure truly marks the end of an era for Australian television.

For nearly a decade, he's been the steady, reassuring presence that audiences have come to absolutely adore — his warm yet authoritative delivery at tribal councils became appointment viewing for millions of fans across the country.

Watch trailer for Survivor: Australia V The World 2025. Article continues after video.

While rumours were swirling around about his potential departure, a spokesperson for Channel 10 confirmed the actor and television presenter — who has been the face of the Australian version since its 2016 revival — will be stepping away from hosting duties following the upcoming season of Survivor: Australia V The World.

"10 can confirm that the upcoming season of Survivor: Australia V The World will be the last series hosted by the formidable Jonathan La Paglia (JLP)," the statement read.

"JLP has brought a unique blend of authority, intelligence and empathy to his role as host of Australian Survivor over the last 10 years."

The announcement may have come as a surprise to us long-time Survivor fans — but according to JLP, it was just as shocking for him. The longtime host claims he was "blindsided" by the whole thing.

Image: Channel 10

"Australian Survivor has seen some of the most epic blindsides over the last 10 years, but this one might just be the craziest of them all… because it happened to me," JLP wrote in an Instagram caption.

"I received a call from the Network thanking me for all my hard work and dedication to the show, but for next season they are 'going in a different direction,'" he shared.

Why? Well, apparently because of the dip in ratings recently — which prompted the network to want to "shake things up."

"So for the first time ever this is not a tribe swap, but a HOST SWAP. Yes, you read that right," JLP said.

"It has been one of the greatest adventures of my career to helm Australian Survivor, so it is without a doubt the hardest challenge of all to snuff my own torch," he continued, adding "Whoever said a blindside is the most humane way to put someone down is an idiot. It hurts like a bitch!"

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Survivor alumni shared their disappointment over the news, with Feras Basal asking if he could "play an immunity idol" for JLP, Benjamin Law calling the loss "monumental" and Luke Toki expressing his heartache for his bestie.

As far as who will be replacing JLP as the next host? Channel 10 are keeping their lips sealed for now, but the internet has their suspicions.

According to multiple reports, a former contestant and fan-favourite is rumoured to be taking over the role: David Genat.

David — better known to fans as "The Golden God" — won Australian Survivor: All Stars in 2020 and has remained one of the show's most popular alumni. The international model and reality TV personality has the perfect combination of Survivor expertise and natural charisma that could translate beautifully to hosting duties. But the news is yet to be confirmed.

Luke Toki chimed in on the rumours with his own Instagram post directed at David. Sharing the news, he captioned his post "Holy heck, GG what's going on here? My boy putting out Jonathon's torch. It's time to leave the island."

One thing is for sure: Australian Survivor fans are in for an interesting new chapter when the show returns in 2026.

Feature Image: Channel 10.