By Abbey Cannan
Mudjimba couple Ben Watson and Shayelle Lajoie will be pushed to their limit on the new season of Australian Survivor: Blood V Water, with the goal of claiming the title of sole survivor 2022.
The season kicked off on Monday 31 January on Channel 10, where Ben, 33, and Shayelle, 31, began to test the strength of their bond as they played the world’s toughest game.
Standing at 193cm (6 foot 4” on the old scale), Ben is a standout in the crowd kind of guy and has a drive to win. He hopes to be a player who is a beast at challenges but also someone the tribe trusts.
“Before even playing the game, it was super intriguing for me,“ Ben said.
“I train six days a week in Crossfit but the challenges are just unbelievable.
“When you’re on the couch watching the show with a full belly of food, you think ’that can’t be too hard’, but far out, that all went out the window.
“I don’t think I would’ve been able to do it without Shay there. She’s my rock in and outside of the game. If I had to do this solo, it would be a completely different ball game.
“I had a fantastic experience, behind the camera, in front of the camera. Every person who played a role in the game of Survivor has a place in my heart forever.
“It’s something that I’m never going to forget and I’m itching to do it again.“
The tradie and photographer said it was easy to get used to the cameras being around.
“They just turn into parts of the scenery. There’s a lot of other things on your mind, in 40 degree heat and a lack of food,“ he said.
Bio medical student, Shayelle, said she’s always been a fan of the show but nothing could prepare her for the psychological toughness.
“I’ve watched so many seasons so I knew what challenges were coming up,“ she said.
“The physical aspect of it I loved, but it takes a lot of strength to be able to backstab or lie. I didn’t expect it to be so mentally gruelling. I’m such an empathetic person so it was hard. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a few tears on the show.“
Shayelle said they’ve made incredible friends through filming the show and have kept in touch through a group chat.
“We’ve only just adjusted back to being in reality since being in the game,“ she said.
“Your headspace is quite detached when filming. Your whole focus is on winning the game.“
Watch 24 castaways, including three couples from the Sunshine Coast, battle it out alongside a loved one in the unmissable Australian Survivor: Blood V Water on 10 and 10 Play on demand.
