Reality TV

It’s time to merge: These Australian Survivor contestants have become friends in real life

Social game-play, the wholesome way.
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Survivor is a game about manipulation, lying and backstabbing. After all, you’ve got to play a good social game if you want to make it to the end.

But once the contestants have left the island and returned to the real world, it seems all that sneaking around doesn’t even make a dent in the friendships made on the show.

With no entertainment or loved ones around you, you undoubtedly form close bonds with your campmates on Survivor. Especially when you all have to huddle together to stay warm during a tropical storm!

But even after filming wraps, the cast take their alliances into the real world.

2019 Contender Daisy Richardson even confessed to TV WEEK that most of her season’s competitors still keep in touch via a group chat and that they all get along pretty well, even the contestants they didn’t hang out with whilst the cameras were rolling.

“It’s funny because I wasn’t super close with Luke in the game but outside of the game we’ve become really good friends so I’m really lucky,” she remarked.

Keep scrolling for our favourite Survivor friendships that have gone the distance!

(Image: Instagram @davidgenat)

All Stars

The ultimate All Stars reunion!

(Image: Instagram @bephoe)

All Stars

What wouldn’t we give to be a part of this gang?

(Image: Instagram @brookejowett)

Brooke

“Rose between two snakes.” Henry and Nick aren’t that bad in real life though, right Brooke?

(Image: Instagram @mat_rogers6)

Mat Rogers and Tarzan

Two top blokes: Who doesn’t love Mat and Tarzan?

(Image: Instagram @markherlaar)

Daisy and Tarzan

It may have been a chance coincidence but Queenslanders Daisy and Tarzan had an impromptu road trip!

(Image: Instagram @mat_rogers6)

Mat and Commando Steve

Mat and Steve ‘Commando’ Willis may have been tight on the show, but their alliance is still strong even after their season.

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Commando Steve shaves Mat Rogers Survivor style

(Image: Instagram @jerimowgli)

Jerry and Luke

Jericho and Luke may have the ultimate Survivor bromance.

(Image: Instagram @jerimowgli)

Jerry and Luke family

In fact, Jerry used his Survivor winnings to take Luke and his family on a trip to Disneyland.

(Image: Instagram @luketoki)

Jerry and Luke family

“I’m starting to think my kids like you more than me haha Like a Filipino Santa Claus….” Yep, he even spoiled the Toki kids at Christmas!

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Survivor’s Luke Toki plays who wore it better

(Image: Instagram @luketoki)

Fishing trip

Survivor Champions Andrew ‘ET’ Ettingshausen, Mat Rogers and Luke Toki looked like they had a blast on their boys’ fishing trip.

(Image: Instagram @luketoki)

ET and Luke

ET and Lukey can’t wipe the smiles off their faces!

(Image: Instagram @michelledougan)

Michelle

Former contestants Jerry, Michelle and Luke (pictured with wife Mary) certainly scrub up nice for a night at the theatre.

(Image: Instagram @_piamiranda)

Janine, Pia and Abbey

Janine, Pia and Abbey’s alliance couldn’t be broken. And they’re still mates!

(Image: Instagram @janine_allis)

Janine and Pia

Janine and Pia have even stated that they will be forever friends.

(Image: Instagram @_piamiranda)

Harry and Pia

“Partners in cream.” Dirty Harry and the Smiling Assassin make a good combo.

(Image: Instagram @_piamiranda)

Baden and Pia

She may have slammed him in the finale, but Pia and Baden will forever be brunch buddies.

(Image: Instagram @janine_allis)

Season six

Nothing like a civilised family dinner. We hope rice and beans wasn’t on the menu.

(Image: Instagram @locklangilbert)

Locky and Henry

Locky and Henry’s bromance is up there with Jerry and Luke. And his fellow camp mates look like they agree too!

(Image: Instagram @shoneefairfax)

Shonee and Fenella

Name a more iconic duo than Shenella (aka season six’s Shonee and Fenella)

(Image: Instagram @sharncoombes)

Sharn and Shane

Don’t f— with Shane Gould! The season six winner went on a fancy Fiji getaway with her runner-up Sharn Coombes.

(Image: Instagram @sharncoombes)

Sharn and Lydia

But Sharn’s going to have to watch her fellow Survivor teammates Shane and Olympian Lydia battle it out on All Stars.

(Image: Instagram @leecarseldine)

Lee and Lydia

If only Lee and Lydia had been on the same season, now that would’ve been an alliance to watch.

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