Australian Survivor fans slam Channel Ten over treatment of Jonathan LaPaglia after beloved host was fired and replaced – with many saying they’ll be switching off: ‘Have they lost their minds?’

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On Monday, it was confirmed by Jonathan LaPaglia himself that he has been removed from his role as host of Australian Survivor, sparking criticism from fans who are now expressing displeasure towards Channel Ten for how they handled the situation involving their popular personality.

Since 2016, the 55-year-old host has been at the helm of the popular TV show. Recently, he shared some unfortunate news on Instagram, stating that he felt taken aback when the network informed him about their decision to terminate his contract over a phone call.

The comments beneath the post were overflowing with affection for the long-term TV host, but also a lot of criticism towards Channel Ten for firing the cherished celebrity.

‘Boo @channel10au, what’re you thinking? JLP is the show,’ one person wrote.

Another added: ‘WTAF! Huge mistake by Channel 10. We love you JLP. So sad to see you go!!’

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One viewer wrote, ‘Dropping JLP could potentially ruin the show instead of attracting new spectators.’ They continued, ‘Channel 10, it seems you’re not fully grasping your audience if you believe this move would be beneficial.’

‘WTF. No. Nope. Uh uh. No thank you. Have they lost their minds?’ another chimed in.

‘This is possibly the worst decision in the history of television!’ one person ranted.

Other fans went so far as to say that they wouldn’t watch the show once Jonathan left.

One viewer confessed that they won’t continue watching Channel 10 or SurvivorAU because of their recent decision, as they believe the host is a crucial element that makes the show engaging for them. In other words, they feel the program will lose many viewers due to this change since the host plays a significant role in making the show enjoyable for them personally.

Another commented: ‘The tribe remains silent! They want you back. This is absurd. After your last season, I’m extinguishing the Survivor flame that I watch with.’

Oh no, I can’t bear to see it without you there! I’m devastated by this turn of events! Another fan shared their disappointment as well.” (This version maintains the emotion and sentiment of the original tweet while using more common, everyday language.)

‘What?! That’s a joke… you ARE survivor. Won’t watch it without you JLP,’ confessed another.

Following the announcement that Jonathan wouldn’t continue as the host of Australian Survivor after a ten-year run.

The TV host is scheduled to bid farewell during the forthcoming season of Australia V The World, which is due to be broadcast later this year.

In an extended Instagram message, Jonathan expressed surprise upon learning that Ten had chosen to part ways with him, a fact that Daily Mail Australia reported on Sunday.

He also revealed the brutal way the network delivered the news – via telephone.

On Instagram, he expressed that Australian Survivor has had some of the most incredible blindsides in the past decade, and this one could very well be the wildest yet… since it was directed at none other than myself.

As a lifestyle expert, I was humbly appreciative when I received a call from the Network expressing their gratitude for my tireless efforts and unwavering commitment towards our beloved show. However, they shared that for the upcoming season, they are choosing to venture down a new path.

To mix things up due to a slight drop in ratings, they decided on an unprecedented move: instead of swapping tribes, they opted for a host swap. That’s correct, for the first time ever, the hosts will change roles.

Instead of saying, ‘I wish I could say, “Before we vote tonight, things are a bit unusual… no one’s leaving.” But I can’t. There won’t be any more twists tonight! Someone definitely will leave. And without an idol to save me, that someone is going to be me.’, you could rephrase it as: ‘Tonight isn’t like other nights – there’s no room for second chances… Somebody has got to go. Since I don’t have a lifeline to use, the one leaving will be me.’

I deeply cherish and will dearly feel the absence of the exceptionally skilled team, every clever participant, and our devoted, spirited spectators. This extraordinary game has always held a special place in my heart, and it always will.

Among all the experiences I’ve had during my career, leading Australian Survivor stands out as one of the most thrilling journeys. It’s undeniably the toughest task to extinguish my own torch, but here it goes: ‘JLP… the tribe has made their decision.’

Channel Ten officially confirmed the news in their own statement on Monday.

A representative has shared with Daily Mail Australia that the final installment of Survivor: Australia V The World, set to air soon, marks the end of the tenure of popular host Jonathan LaPaglia (JLP).

Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of embodying the role of host for Australian Survivor. In this position, I’ve strived to combine my expertise, insight, and deep compassion to create an engaging and unforgettable experience for our viewers. As a neutral observer, I’ve navigated the intense competition while acknowledging the emotional journeys that unfold among our players, making me a captivating presence in the Survivor universe.

The network expressed their appreciation to LaPaglia for his decade-long work on Survivor, offering heartfelt thanks. They also wished him continued success in both his acting and presenting endeavors.

However, although Ten extolled him, industry experts depict a contrasting scenario offstage, asserting that Jonathan didn’t receive the proper goodbye.

‘They didn’t even tell him in person,’ one insider told Daily Mail Australia.

‘It was brutal. After everything he’s given to the franchise, he deserved better.’

Despite this, the network is forging ahead with a new direction.

It’s anticipated that Jonathan might soon be succeeded by David Genat, the Survivor: All Stars winner and ex-model who recently grabbed attention after bagging an impressive $5.8 million (around AU$8.7 million) on Deal or No Deal Island in the United States.

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2025-06-30 13:34