PHOTO: Nico Panagio
Describe yourself using only a hashtag.
#Barefoot
If you were a castaway in the great game of Survivor, what would most likely send you packing?
I would like to think I could deal with most of the trials, jumping off, out of and into things, the social battles, hunger and discomfort, but eating creepy-crawlies that are still alive and wriggling around in my mouth . . . that’ll shake me.
What character trait, habit or act would make you vote someone off the island?
Anyone who sabotages their own tribe in any way is persona non grata in my camp. There are unspoken lines of decency that you just don’t cross in this game and messing with the food is one of them. Battle your differences out in the challenges, around the campfire or at Tribal Council, but you don’t mess with the food. That’s sacrilege.
Were you and Jeff Probst separated at birth?
Yes, it just took me a decade longer to emerge. :) Jeff is a legend and I’m a huge fan, so any comparison is sincerely appreciated. I’m also so humbled by the fact that fans of the show are gracious enough to accept other hosts who walk in his footsteps, despite the fact that he rocked it first and continues to do so.
Pineapple on pizza, yes or no?
Noooooooo. Nope. Most definitely no.
What are people usually surprised to find out about you?
That I fly to the island alone, for 2 weeks before the contestants arrive, to build my own shelter and just get the lay of the land and immerse myself in the fauna and flora and stuff. . . make fire, fish, you know.
What word or phrase did you use most during the filming of Survivor South Africa season 6?
Off screen: At some point during the day the crew all look at one another and somehow everyone shares a very specific, almost rapturous, look. It’s an island fever/Survivor fan/crew euphoria thing. Often it’s during a boat ride at sunset or just after a super twist in the game, and even when we are being tossed around in a crazy storm at sea, drenched and bouncing across the waves in the dark! The moments are wildly different in nature, but the experience is always the same. It is a perfect ‘living in the moment’ kind of thing and at some point when the moment is at it’s peak, someone will shout (or whisper): “This is why we came”! Someone starts the sentence and we all finish it together. On screen, for some reason, I can’t help saying “the tribe has spoken” at the end of each episode. ;)
What is your biggest/weirdest fear?
Big-wave surfing. I’ve done some scary things in my life and I’m a bit of a thrill junkie, but nothing freaks me out quite like the ocean. When I’m out surfing and things get hairy, I’m the first guy back on the beach.
What would be your one super power?
Flying. Definitely flying. That’s the one thing I’m hoping God has planned for us in Heaven, because I’ve been dreaming I could fly since I was a lil’ kid. I used to jump off walls and concentrate really hard, convinced that if you believe it hard enough you can fly. I hit the ground every time. As I grew older I stopped jumping off walls, but since then I discovered there are other ways to fly . . .
If you could steal any of the props from this season of Survivor South Africa, what would it be?
I’m more a collector of buffs. I have one for each tribe of each season. It’s a very coveted prize in the game of Survivor, even amongst the crew who wear them with pride wherever they go afterwards. It’s like a badge of honour. :)
If you had to relocate permanently to one of the Survivor South Africa locations, which one would you choose?
Definitely the Philippines. It’s an exceptionally beautiful place, but there is also a spirit that engulfs you that is different to everywhere we have been before. There is something very special about those islands.
Tell us your favourite joke . . .
What do you call an ant that can see into the future? A clairvoy-ant.
If you were stripped of all luxuries, what would you miss most?
I reckon being clean. I mean, I like camping just as much as the next guy, but there is nothing like coming home from a long day out on the ocean or on the beaches in the sun, sweating in the sweltering heat, dead on your feet. And within moments of getting home and stepping into the shower you feel like a new creature. No such luxury for the contestants. I think that would get to me.
You’re stuck on a deserted island: What’s your top 5 playlist?
1. Coldplay – “Viva La Vida” (because in this game you have to remember that pride comes before the fall, so stay focussed and stay humble)
2. Tracy Chapman – “Baby Can I Hold You” (“forgive me” . . . for voting you out)
3. Casey Abrams – “Simple Life” (to remind me why I came)
4. U2 – “Beautiful Day” (to live in the moment despite how hard the game gets and it gets hard, but it’s the best game in the world!)
5. Tasha Cobbs – “Break Every Chain” (“There is power in the name of Jesus”, because there are times when you have to dig deeper than flesh and thoughts for a strength that is only found in the depths of your soul)
If you had to take part in My Kitchen Rules South Africa, what signature dish would you cook/bake to impress the judges?
My wife and I make an incredible Thai chicken potjie that will blow your mind and reminds me of those island flavours.
Survivor SA is powered by the Huawei P20 Pro and is produced by Afrokaans Film and TV.
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Survivor SA: Philippines airs on M-Net (DStv channel 101) on Thursdays at 19:00. Join the conversation on the Survivor Facebook Page or on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #SurvivorSA.