Advertisement

Why the Commando is at a 'disadvantage' on Survivor

With a new Champions versus Contenders concept on Survivor this year, the fierce competition on the reality show is at its absolute peak.

Former rugby league player Mat Rogers, Olympic freestyle skier Lydia Lassila and army officer-turned Biggest Loser trainer Steve ‘Commando’ Willis are amongst the fit contestants on the Champions team, but their professional experience could actually disadvantage them in the competition.

Speaking to Be, the show’s latest evictee Jenna Austin from the Contenders team says physical strength will only get the contestants so far, and being famous isn’t going to do the Champions any favours either.

“I definitely feel that the Champions have a stronger team. I wouldn’t go as far to say that is an advantage though. I think it could potentially be a disadvantage,” reveals Jenna.

Steve ‘Commando’ Willis is competing on Survivor, but his competitive advantage of being strong may not get him too far. Source: Channel Ten
Steve ‘Commando’ Willis is competing on Survivor, but his competitive advantage of being strong may not get him too far. Source: Channel Ten

“I think the Commando, people look up to him,” she continues, acknowledging the 42-year-old has helped the Champions team win physically-demanding challenges so far.

“He’s an idol for people, but when you take a step back you realise that’s only one element of the game.

“Then you’ve got all the other elements and you take someone for example like Sam,” she continues, referring to astrophysicist Sam who is on the Commando’s team.

“Sam is an amazing guy and he is one of the smartest people you will ever meet and he may not have the strength but [with] his social game and his brain’s strength, he’s got the potential to last longer than anyone.”

The show’s most recently eliminated contestant Jenna says there’ll come a time when the challenges will be less physically demanding. Source: Channel Ten
The show’s most recently eliminated contestant Jenna says there’ll come a time when the challenges will be less physically demanding. Source: Channel Ten

“There’s going to come a point where the challenges are going to stop,” says Jenna.

“When the teams hit merge, it’s each for their own and the challenges aren’t going to be about strength at that point.”

The other disadvantage she notes is fame.

“Obviously they are well-known people so they’ve got an added element in the game. They have a reputation in the public and that is something I think is going to affect their game,” says Jenna.

Jenna’s Contenders team decided to vote her off at the end of last night’s episode after she injured her foot. Source: Channel Ten
Jenna’s Contenders team decided to vote her off at the end of last night’s episode after she injured her foot. Source: Channel Ten

“Ultimately they’re not going to want to ruin their reputation so that’s an added layer they’ve got to factor into the decisions and what they do.

“Whereas the Contenders, we’re the underdogs. We’re the every day person. We don’t have a reputation to protect. Life goes on after Survivor.”

Speaking of life after Survivor, Jenna says her ankle has recovered well since the filming of last night’s dramatic episode, which saw her fellow tribe members choosing to vote her out due to her foot injury.

Survivor airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on Channel Ten.

Got a story tip? Send it to tips@yahoo7.com.au

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram.