Australian Survivor Star Reveals Real Reason for Vanishing from Screens

by

Viewers of Australian Survivor: ‘Brains vs Brawn’ found themselves perplexed on Tuesday, following host Jonathan LaPaglia’s declaration that beloved contestant Ben Bylett was no longer part of the competition.

Following a wave of concerned messages from supporters seeking clarification, the father from the Sunshine Coast has shared on his social platforms that his sudden departure was due to an unexpected and unexplained health issue.

In a surprising disclosure, Ben shared that upon returning home, doctors found he had developed a serious bout of pneumonia.

In a heartfelt Instagram post yesterday, I shared that my Survivor adventure has reached its conclusion – a dream that I’ve been living and breathing for quite some time now.

‘Not the way I dreamed of it happening, it is what it is you know,’ a disappointed Ben added.

In a detailed account, Ben shared that prior to being transported from the primary island of Upolo, Samoa for medical treatment, he had been dealing with a torn calf muscle which he sustained during the water competition.

Although it didn’t receive much airtime on television, it was a challenging injury for me to deal with, and I had to push myself to overcome it,” he explained.

To complicate things further, Ben found himself sleeping out in the open for several nights, lying in a large enclosure filled with water (essentially a puddle).

‘I got really sick [after that],’ the Mount Coolum businessman explained.  

He went on to say, “In a nutshell, following the hoop challenge, I strained my calf muscle again, which left me out of breath for several hours.

Regrettably, I had to catch the next flight back home, where I was diagnosed with a serious case of pneumonia.

Additionally, Ben mentioned that he shed approximately 29 pounds over the course of three and a half weeks on the program, and he is currently in the process of recuperating from a bout with pneumonia.

Additionally, Ben mentioned that he might have participated in the competition while unknowingly experiencing a spell of Ross River Fever, a virus transmitted through mosquito bites.

He stated that ‘Survivor’ isn’t something to be taken lightly; it’s a genuine test under tough circumstances.’ After shedding 24 kilograms during the three and a half weeks he was on set, he returned to his home in Queensland.

After Ben, the stonemason, shared with the Gold Coast Bulletin last month that he’s harbored dreams of participating in Survivor for a quarter-century, it transpired later on.

In the year 2000, he encountered the franchise for the first time when he watched the American adaptation of the widely popular series.

Ben shared with the press that he had always been determined, right from the start, to challenge myself by experiencing different environments while participating in what he considers the finest game on earth.

Ten years ago, Australian Survivor caught my attention. Eager and committed, I didn’t hesitate to apply. After numerous tries, my determination finally bore fruit, and before I knew it, I was on a plane bound for Samoa.

For the newest installment of this long-standing reality program, two competing squads are engaged in a struggle to secure a half-million dollar cash award.

The competition is split into two groups: ‘Brains’ and ‘Brawn’

Logan Shine, who is married to Western Bulldogs star Jason Johannisen, belongs to the Brains group as well.

Apart from self-proclaimed witch Laura, primary school teacher Max, financial analyst Myles, and medical professional Dr. Karin, PhD candidate Kaelan, as well as business leader Kent, will also be part of the team.

The team is rounded out by film director Mitch and PTA president Zara.

Meanwhile, Olympian Morgan Mitchell will be leading the charge for the Brawn Tribe.

The athlete, known for her expertise in the 4x400m relay and 800m events, had aspirations to participate in her third Olympic games in Paris the previous year; however, she just barely failed to secure a spot on the team.

She’s accompanied by a diverse group of individuals, such as pro skater Jesse and model Candy, within the Brawn Tribe.

In addition to powerlifter Ursula, football coach Paul (NPL), paramedic Paulie, dance enthusiast and DJ Kate, and aviation firefighter Kristen will all be participating as well.

The Brawn Tribe is completed by the hip hop artist Zen, who parted ways in 2025 after sustaining a finger injury, and sports fanatic Laura.)

2025 promises to be a significant year for the reality TV show, as it will feature not one but two different seasons of Survivor being broadcast on Australian television.

Additionally, the second installment titled “Australia vs. The World” will air concurrently in Australia and America, alongside Brains V Brawn II.

Read More

2025-03-13 08:51