MX23RW : Monday, December 23 19:18:52| >> :600:36477037:36477037:

Joel Dommett: 'I'd be awful at Survivor'

Joel Dommett: 'I'd be awful at Survivor'
© BBC
New Survivor UK host Joel Dommett says that he would be "very bad" at the mental aspect of taking part in the show.

Survivor UK host Joel Dommett has declared that he would be a "very bad" contestant on the show due to the psychological aspect of the game.

The iconic reality show is returning to British screens after a 21-year absence this weekend as 18 contestants are dropped in a remote location to vie for a £100,000 cash prize.

The participants must not only compete in physical challenges but also face a mental battle to form alliances and deceive others - with a simple vote each episode sending one person packing, eventually culminating with just one of them being declared the sole survivor and winning the cash.

"In Survivor itself, I think it's definitely 60:40 in terms of mental to physical strength," said Dommett. "I think you've got to be able to survive out there and be good enough in the challenges but being able to have that mental resilience to be able to withstand the disloyalties, the backstabbing and the talking behind each other's backs.

"It's all about being able to control groups of people without them feeling like they're being controlled, that is the most important thing in Survivor. It's fascinating to watch from the outside."

Asked how he would cope, he replied: "I'd be awful at it. I think physically I'd be okay because I love that sort of stuff. I don't mind getting down and dirty with things and going to that dark place in your mind where you've got to hold onto something for seven hours or whatever it is that they put you through in Survivor.

"But it's that mental side of things that I would say I'm very bad at. I wouldn't be very good at manipulating a group because I can barely manipulate myself! No poker face for that, I'd be awful."

Survivor begins Saturday night at 8.25pm on BBC One.

> In Pictures: Meet the contestants on Survivor UK

ID:527462:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2420:
Written by
Neil Wilkes

Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.

Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025


Click here for more stories about Joel Dommett

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Joel Dommett for Survivor UK
Read Next:
Watch: New trailer released ahead of Survivor UK's big return
>
Read more about Joel Dommett Entertainment
rhs 2.0
New TV Picks header

Monday, December 23


Doctor Who: The War Games in Colour: BBC Four, 9pm
A new colourised and repackaged version of the final black and white serial

The Big Quiz: Coronation Street vs Emmerdale: ITV1, 9pm
The annual battle recommences, with Sally 'Shelley Unwin' Lindsay hosting

Classic Movies
Ghostbusters - BBC One, 4.50pm
Calamity Jane - BBC Two, 3.50pm
The Polar Express - Sky Showcase, 5.30pm
Sonic The Hedgehog - E4, 2pm
White Christmas: Bing Crosby - That's TV 2, 9pm
Elf - Sky Cinema Christmas, 4.15pm and 9.45pm