After eight seasons of torch-snuffing, cheeky one-liners and challenge banter filthier than a mud pit, Jonathan LaPaglia was outrageously booted from Australian Survivor and hoo boy, he’s pissed.
Speaking on multiple podcasts overseas, the 55-year-old, affectionately known to fans as JLP, confirmed what Survivor stans have long suspected: his axing from the Network Ten juggernaut was far from smooth.
“I’m a big boy,” JLP said on the podcast RHAP: We Know Reality TV. “But they should have at least called me.”
Yep, the longtime host reckons he was blindsided, with no phone call, no proper send-off! Nothing.
“After everything I’ve given to this show, a proper conversation was the least they could do,” he added.
Behind the scenes, things were apparently messy AF. Insiders claim JLP’s relationship with the production company was rocky from day one, with constant clashes; especially with one senior EP he never vibed with.
“From the very first season he butted heads,” a source told PEDESTRIAN.TV. “That relationship never healed.”
While JLP’s innuendo-laced commentary set him apart from the US Survivor’s Jeff Probst, producers weren’t always stoked. Apparently, he resisted any attempts to manipulate storylines, insisting he wanted a level playing field.
“That’s not what I signed up for,” JLP said on the podcast.
Fans suspected it for years and now it’s confirmed: JLP wasn’t here for fake arcs or producer meddling.
Meanwhile, incoming host David Genat is rumoured to be more willing to play ball with production, something insiders reckon could alienate Survivor purists.
Money was another sore point, apparently. JLP reportedly felt underpaid compared to other prime-time hosts but claims he was never even given the chance to negotiate.
Network insiders aren’t thrilled with his candid press tour either, labelling his tell-alls “unorthodox” and “unprofessional”, according to an insider.
“They think he’s trying to win sympathy from fans,” one source told us. “And it’s working but it’s also making it harder for David Genat to get a fair shot.”
Execs are said to be salty about JLP cosying up publicly to Jeff Probst, calling it “childish” and “undermining”.
But LaPaglia’s not done yet.
“I have unfinished business with Survivor,” he declared.
And, according to whispers, he might be right.
“If Australian Survivor doesn’t survive on Ten, other networks are already circling,” one insider revealed. “And the first thing they’d do is bring Jonathan back. He’s the secret weapon fans want.”
For now, JLP’s refusing to go quietly, and fans? They’re absolutely here for the chaos.
PEDESTRIAN.TV has reached out to Ten for a statement.
The post Jonathan LaPaglia Has Spilled On His Brutal Survivor Axing & He’s Not Holding Back appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
