'Thank you for trusting me with this'

Joel Dommett has been confirmed as the next host of Survivor.

The reality show is to be relaunched on BBC One later this year, making the Masked Singer host the second high-profile comic/presenter to defect or moonlight from ITV in as many days. Yesterday,  it was announced that Alan Carr was to front the Saturday-night quiz show Picture Slam.

In Survivor, contestants are marooned  in a remote location  and deprived of everyday basic comforts and try to be the last one standing. The format has been made in dozens of countries around the world and previously ran on ITV in 2001 and 2002. Zoe Lyons was a contestant in series one before becoming a stand-up.

Programme-makers Remarkable Entertainment say: ‘With little more than the clothes on their back, they will need to outwit, outplay and outlast each other to get to the end. They’ll form their own tribal societies, catch their own food, build their own shelter and compete against each other in epic challenges for reward or immunity until the sole survivor emerges and wins a life-changing £100,000 cash prize.

Dommett said: ‘I’m the new host of the UK‘s Survivor! I can’t believe it! A huge thank you to the BBC for trusting me with this. It’s such a hugely popular format all over the world and I’m super excited to help bring it to our sweet little country. Let the tribal councils begin!"

Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment for the BBC said ‘Having Joel on board is brilliant! With his natural comedic charm we are thrilled that he is going to be on hand guiding, encouraging and challenging our contestants.’

Applications to take part close on March 6. More information is available at survivoruk.com.

Published: 17 Feb 2023