Fitness guru Steve Willis, better known on television as the Commando, has joined the castaways on Australian Survivor alongside a host of champions and new sponsors.
Willis will be joined by champions football stars Brian Lake, Damien Thomlinson, Moana Hope and Mat Rogers, former Olympic champion Shane Gould and astrophysicist Samuel Hilton.
The premise of the show is that 12 champions in their field are pitted against 12 contestants. The castaways will compete for $500,000 for 50 days with little food sleep and only the clothes on their back.
Willis forged a reputation as a stern fitness trainer on Ten’s weight loss show The Biggest Loser.
The former special forces officer will be pushed to the limits in the gruelling tropical paradise of Savusavu, Fiji.
“Survivor is the ultimate. It’s physical, it’s mental and it’s hard because you have to play dirty to win. I’m going to play as honest a game as I can but I know that it won’t be an easy win but it’s one that I want to win,” Willis said.
Commando Steve Willis joins the castaways on Australian Survivor.
New sponsors
This year’s series has seen Holden return as a major sponsor and attracted new partners BGF, Kellogg’s and Parmalat.
Holden’s sponsorship extends across broadcast, Tenplay and the official Survivor social channels. It includes a Network Ten produced TV ad for Holden fronted by series one favourites Lee Carseldine and El Rowland.
“It’s great to have Holden back for a third straight year taking advantage of creative and high-impact integration opportunities across the show,” Network Ten executive general manager revenue of client and partnerships Rod Prosser said.
“To have first-time sponsors BCF, Kellogg’s and Parmalat come along for the ride shows the belief the market has in the franchise and its ability to engage and excite.”
MCN national director of content and brand partnerships Tania Jones said Survivor provides brands with engaging creative integration and partnership opportunities, “delivering strong brand awareness and connecting with viewers across all viewing platforms”.
Holden GM of marketing strategy Marnie Samphier said Australian Survivor was an ideal platform to promote Holden and its Commodore Tourer model.
“Like the contestants, the Commodore Tourer is for the modern explorers - whether it’s pushing the limits or searching for a little solitude out the back of beyond,” Samphier said.
Champions
Dual code football legend, Mat Rogers
AFLW player Moana Hope
Olympic swimming legend, Shane Gould
Former AFL star, Brian Lake
Astrophysicist, Sam
Former special forces commando, Damien
Contenders
FIFO Supervisor, Jenna
Construction Manager, Robbie
Management Consultant, Tegan
Sales Representative, Anita
Take Away Delivery Rider, Steve K
Gentle Giant, Heath
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