Survivor has been 'axed' by the BBC after one rebooted series

The show made a return in 2023

Author: Alex RossPublished 5th Aug 2024

If you cast your minds back to the early Noughties, you'll no doubt remember watching competitive gameshow Survivor, which aired on ITV for two series between 2001-2002.

The show, which was based on the international franchise of the same name, featured a group of 'castaways' as they attempted to provide food, water, shelter, and fire for themselves, as well as competing in challenges for rewards and immunity from being dumped from the island.

Despite being cancelled by ITV after two series, BBC bosses confirmed last year that they've revived the series, with the show starting in October. However, after 'poor ratings', it looks like it's been axed once again.

Will there be another series of Survivor?

According to reports, BBC bosses have quietly axed the show, despite previously opening up applications to allow hopeful contestants to express interest.

A TV source told the Mail: "It got just the same response as it did back in 2001 and 2002 on ITV — which is that audiences thought it was boring. It's not going into production this year."

The news comes after applications closed prematurely in February this year, with the website stating: "As things stand, we are not processing or taking any further applications at this time."

As we await any further details, check out a full recap of the first series below.

When was Survivor rebooted?

Survivor launched on Saturday 28th October 2023, with the second episode on Sunday 29th October 2023

The series then aired every Saturday and Sunday night for eight weeks.

What is Survivor?

Survivor is a reality TV show which first aired on ITV between 2001-2002. The show is known as the 'greatest game on earth' with over 50 adaptations across the world.

In 2022, the BBC announced they had plans to reboot the show, with Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC saying: "Survivor is a global television hit and to be able to bring one of TV’s most successful formats to audiences in the UK in a uniquely BBC way is a very exciting prospect indeed.”

The BBC describe the new series as: 'The ultimate physical and psychological gameshow promises viewers a compelling test of brains, brawn and betrayal as players compete to outwit, out play and outlast their rivals to be crowned the Ultimate Survivor.'

How does Survivor work?

The 18 contestants were divided into 'two tribes' as they went head-to-head in a range of physical and psychological challenges, before merging into one group as one person took the cash prize and become the Ultimate Survivor.

The brand new series in 2023 was made up of 16 episodes, featuring 20 carefully selected contestants from across the UK.

Who were the contestants on Survivor?

The contestants were revealed in mid-October. Check out the series one cast below:

Sabrina


Lee


Christopher S


Hannah


Shai


Rach C


Jess


Rachel G


Tinuke


Doug


Leilani


Ren


Ashleigh


Laurence


Richard


Matthew


Nathan


Pegleg


Who won Survivor?

21-year-old Matthew Haywood was crowned the winner of 2023 series, picking up a prize of £100,000.

Who hosted Survivor?

Joel Dommett hosted the rebooted series on BBC One.

Where was Survivor filmed?

The series was filmed in the Dominican Republic in early 2023.

What is the prize for Survivor?

Matthew Haywood won a cash prize of £100,000 and the title of Sole Survivor.

Natalka Znak, CEO Remarkable Entertainment said: “Survivor is ‘the greatest gameshow on earth’ for a reason - it has everything - reality, adventure, drama, and the ultimate game. I can’t wait to be boots on the ground, working with Paul Osborne, Stephen Lovelock and the fantastic team at Remarkable to make this epic series for the BBC.”

How to apply for Survivor?

Applications for the show are closed.

Check out which other TV shows are looking for applicants right now:

Apply to be on The Apprentice

Following the series 18 final in April 2024, bosses opened up applications for the 20th series of the show, which is expected to air in 2026.


Apply to be on The Apprentice right here.


Closing date: 1st December 2024.

Apply to be on Bake Off

With the 2024 series airing every Tuesday night, bosses are on the hunt for aspiring bakers to take part in the 2025 series of The Great British Bake Off.


Apply for Bake Off right here.


Applications close on 9th December 2024.

Apply to be on The Traitors

Although applications for series three closed in March this year, BBC bosses have now renewed the hit show for a fourth series, and applications are now open! Filming is due to begin in 2025.


Apply for The Traitors right here.


Closing date: 9th February 2025

Race Across The World

With series five due to air in 2025, BBC bosses have now confirmed Race Across The World has been renewed for a sixth series. Applications are now open, with the show expected to air in 2026.

Apply to be on Race Across The World right here.

Closing date: 6th April 2025.

Apply to be on MAFS UK

Although the 2024 series hasn't aired yet, bosses are on the lookout for singletons to apply for the 2025 series of MAFS UK! If you are currently single and fancy marrying a stranger, this one could be for you!


Apply to be on MAFS UK right here.


Closing date: 1st February 2025.

Apply to be on My Mum, Your Dad

Applications for ITV/STV dating show My Mum, Your Dad are now open! Grown-up children are being encouraged to nominate their single parents for the show, which is hosted by Davina McCall. Although there's been no official confirmation of a third series just yet, you can register your interest now.


You can apply for My Mum, Your Dad right here.


Closing date: Unknown

Apply to be on Love Island

Bosses are on the lookout for applicants for the 2025 series of Love Island.


Apply for Love Island right here.


Closing date: Unknown

Apply to be on Come Dine With Me

Come Dine With Me bosses are now on the hunt for new contestants to appear on the upcoming new series, with the winning dinner party host in with a shout of winning the £1,000 prize money!


Apply to be on Come Dine With Me right here.


Closing date: Unknown

Apply to be on Dragons' Den

BBC bosses have confirmed Dragons' Den will return for a 22nd series next year, with applications now open! If you have a business or business idea that's looking for investment, this one is for you!


Apply to be on Dragons' Den right here.


Closing date: Unknown

Apply to be on The Repair Shop

The BBC are looking for applicants for the upcoming series of hit show The Repair Shop. If you have a treasured item that's seen better days and you think the experts can help, get applying!


Apply for The Repair Shop now.


Closing date: Unknown

Apply to be on Countdown

Channel 4 are on the lookout for brain box contestants to appear on game show Countdown.


Apply to be on Countdown right here.


Closing date: Unknown

Apply to be on The Chase

Bosses are on the hunt for contestant for series 15 of The Chase, with filming due to take place later in 2023.


Apply to be on The Chase right here.


Closing date: Unknown

Apply to be on Four In A Bed

If you're a hotel or B&B owner and you're interested in taking part in hit Channel 4 show Four In A Bed, applications are now open!


Apply to be on Four In A Bed right here.


Closing date: Unknown

Apply to be on Sort Your Life Out

Although series five of Stacey Solomon's Sort Your Life Out hasn't aired yet, it looks like the show will be back for a sixth series, as bosses are urging applicants to register their interest online.


Apply to be on Sort Your Life Out here.


Closing date: Unknown

DIY SOS

DIY SOS is returning to BBC and Nick Knowles is on the hunt for applicants. If you want to nominate a family, or apply for yourself, you can register online now.


Apply to be on DIY SOS right here.


Closing date: 19th December 2025.

Apply to be on Love Is Blind: UK

Following a successful first series, Netflix confirmed in August that Love Is Blind: UK has been renewed for a second series which will air in 2025.


Apply to be on Love Is Blind: UK right here.


Closing date: Unknown

Series one of Survivor is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.

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