David Genats Surreal Shift from Survivor Player to Host

He's the self-proclaimed 'Golden God' who, after three seasons of , is about to step into the role of host.

For , taking on the coveted role on the popular reality series, has been like a dream come true.

David, 45, was announced as the replacement for Jonathan LaPaglia, who helmed the series for a decade, in August.

Prior to the announcement, David made television history when he

'It really feels surreal,' he said ahead of the series premiere of Survivor: Redemption on Monday.

'2025 was such an insane year for me and getting to host Australian Survivor was the cherry on the sundae, a dream come true.'

David likened the appointment to being in a long-term relationship. 

'The show and the people who make it had become such a big part of my life and identity. I guess it was like dating for five years and hoping one day you will get married, and then they propose to you and you get to wear your dream wedding gown,' he said.

David has taken on Survivor three times – in 2019's Champions and Contenders, 2020's All Stars, and again in 2025 on Australia V The World.

He admitted that he found it hard to adapt to his new role, especially watching the current hopefuls compete.

'I was always itching to get back into the game, especially some of the bigger challenge obstacle courses. They are just so fun to run and compete on,' he said.

Despite being a seasoned Survivor veteran, David added that he was constantly surprised by the strategies used by competitors throughout the competition.

'What I loved about this season is I was always surprised by the moves,' he said.

'Survivor strategy can move in waves and people will play the ebbs and flows, but many times this season it felt like they would just stand and let a wave crash into them. It was carnage.'

'I was always itching to get back into the game, especially some of the bigger challenge obstacle courses. They are just so fun to run and compete on,' he said