Reality TV host blindsided as they're AXED from long-running show after ten years – and bosses dumped him over the phone

Scottish Sun

a day ago

Fans are fuming as a replacement host has already been confirmed
SHOCK BOOT Reality TV host blindsided as they're AXED from long-running show after ten years – and bosses dumped him over the phone
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A REALITY TV host has been left stunned after being brutally axed from their long-running show.
After ten years on screen, bosses gave them the boot with a phone call.
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The TV host has shocked fans with the announcement that he's been axed from Australian Survivor
Credit: 9 Network
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JLP fronted the series for 11 seasons and didn't see the axe coming
Credit: 9 Network
Telly fans have been left stunned after Australian Survivor host Jonathan LaPaglia revealed he's been booted from the show.
The fan favourite – affectionately known as JLP – broke the news on Instagram with a cheeky AI video showing himself being KO'd by a giant boxing glove, joking he'd been 'blindsided' by the brutal decision.
JLP, who's fronted the series for 11 seasons, said he never saw the axe coming when he was told by bosses that they were 'going in a different direction' for next year's season.
He wrote: "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."
He told followers that without a hidden immunity idol in his back pocket, 'I have to snuff my own torch and send myself home.'
He continued: "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.'"
But it's not the end of his Survivor journey just yet – JLP confirmed he'll still appear on the Australia v The World edition, filmed late last year and expected to premiere this July.
And in a move that's already splitting fans, Daily Mail reports that David Genat, a Survivor legend known as the 'Golden God', is tipped to take over as host.
David, who first hit screens on Champions v Contenders II in 2019 and later won All Stars in 2020, has since starred on The Celebrity Apprentice, hosted Rush and just scooped a jaw-dropping £4.5 million prize on Deal or No Deal Island in the US.
JLP added: "Ratings had dipped a bit recently and they wanted to do something drastic 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."
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"I have loved and will dearly miss the immensely talented crew, all the crafty players and our loyal sassy audience. I'm a huge fan of this incredible game, always have been, always will be.
"(Ps. Whoever said a blindside is the most humane way to put someone down is an idiot. It hurts like a b****!)"
Viewers reckon it just won't be the same without him as his post was instantly flooded with comments from gutted fans and former contestants, branding the brutal axe a 'huge mistake'.
Nick Iadanza wrote: 'Actually devastated! You are Australian Survivor and we are all so grateful to have had you leading it for players and fans alike.'
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Jordie Hansen added: 'No way! It's going to be hard to imagine the show without you mate. An actual living legend'.
Logan Johannisen penned: "Can confirm blindsides sting. Totally devastated with this news. Thank you for being apart of my survivor journey and your endless ball jokes. Will not be the same without you, JLP."
Former winner Kristie Bennett said: 'Talk about brutal! We have all been completely robbed. You made this show with the players from the ground up. Always an icon!'
Australian Survivor is available to watch in the UK on Amazon Prime.