WHILE the adventure reality series format Survivor has a long history in some countries, Survivor UK is somewhat new territory.

The format premiered on US television in 2000, hosted by Jeff Probst. It is still airing to this day.

A UK adaptation on ITV soon followed in the early aughts, but only lasted two series.

More than two decades later, Survivor UK has returned, with episodes airing Saturday and Sunday on BBC One.

Hosted by Joel Dommett (The Masked Singer), 18 castaways made the trip to the Dominican Republic.

Only one can Outwit, Outplay and Outlast, walking away with £100,000 and the title of Sole Survivor.

Let’s take a look at who is playing the toughest game on television.

Who are the Survivor UK contestants?

Pegleg

Age: 54

From: St Agnes

Occupation: Surf School Owner

Tribe: La Nena

Strategy: “To try and be Mr middle-of-the-road; I didn’t want to be seen as a threat but also didn’t want to be a weak link in the chain who wasn’t worth keeping around.

“As an older one-legged guy I had to prove I could hold my own.” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Ashleigh

Age: 34

From: London

Occupation: Brand Strategist

Tribe: La Nena

Strategy: “I wanted to take my time to get to know the other players a bit better before making any moves.

“Sometimes having a big game plan from the beginning can be a sure-fire way to get yourself voted off early!

“So I wanted to try and steer the game subtly, leading from below rather than trying to place myself in a leadership (and therefore more risky!) position.” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Rachel

Age: 40

From: Whitstable

Occupation: Insurance Claims Handler

Tribe: Caletón

Strategy: “No, I was only ever going to be open, honest and myself.” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Laurence

Age: 29

From: London, born in Vienna, and raised in Costa Rica

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Tribe: Caletón

Strategy: “My aim was to play the role of harmless buffoon or village idiot (comes naturally!), and get along with my fellow tribemates, building strong relationships all while having a laugh.

“I aimed to avoid politics and would play a neutral Switzerland.

“The goal was to avoid coming across as a threat, and thereby placing a target on my back. Consistency and integrity – before bringing out the dagger when necessary!” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Leilani

Age: 45

From: Hertford

Occupation: Barista and cleaner at a yoga studio

Tribe: Caletón

Strategy: “I haven’t watched Survivor so I didn’t realise there was a psychological aspect to the game.

“I thought it was just about living right on the beach and competing in physical challenges, so I had no game plan whatsoever!” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Nathan

Age: 35

From: Manchester (originally London)

Occupation: Fitness Instructor and Operations Manager

Tribe: Caletón

Strategy: “My strategy for the show was simple, to be an asset to the tribe and build strong relationships.

“I didn’t want to be the strongest player, but equally didn’t want to be the weakest, as both scenarios would put me at risk.” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Hannah

Age: 30

From: London

Occupation: Semi-Professional Footballer

Tribe: La Nena

Strategy: “My strategy was all about using my communication skills, authenticity and social charm to build strong alliances.

“I wanted people to trust me and feel comfortable working with me.

“At the same time I didn’t want to be underestimated physically so I aimed to showcase my strength when necessary.” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Matthew

Age: 21

From: Cumbria

Occupation: Hospitality

Tribe: Caletón

Strategy: “I love being around people, so my strategy was to play the social game.

“As the youngest player I knew people would underestimate me but I used that to my advantage.

“I needed my strategy to be adaptable because I never knew what was going to be thrown at me next.

“I was there to play and wanted to play with no regrets by being true to myself.” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Christopher

Age: 36

From: Bridgend

Occupation: Singer/Songwriter

Tribe: La Nena

Strategy: “I didn’t have a big master plan but I did have the strategy to keep my eyes and ears open and to do my best.

“That way I can just adapt and make moves when needed, take it day by day and never give up even when things turn really tough.” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Ren

Age: 28

From: London

Occupation: Network Data Scientist

Tribe: La Nena

Strategy: “My goal was to lie low until the merge, and then show off my game in the later stages.

“I wanted to keep enough players that were more threatening than me around as shields in the early game.

“The most important thing to me was working out what other players wanted to see in a winner, and tailoring my game to fit that so I could get the votes at the end.” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Tinuke

Age: 30

From: London

Occupation: Professional Roller Skater & Adventurer

Tribe: Caletón

Strategy: “Find my ride or die and take them to the end with me.

“I have also noticed that people react well when I share my life experiences and spiritual wisdom with them.

“I also know that people like it when I feed into their egos! So I hoped that a little sweet talking would get me a long way.” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Jess

Age: 38

From: London

Occupation: Fittings Model

Tribe: Caletón

Strategy: “I never really had a game plan I just always said I would be true to myself and follow my heart and my gut instinct.” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Shai

Age: 33

From: London

Occupation: Finance Risk Manager

Tribe: Caletón

Strategy: “My strategy before going into the game was to lay low at the beginning, not drawing any attention to myself and then try and seize control in the mid game.

“Which it turns out is much easier said than done!” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Doug

Age: 32

From: Isle of Mull

Occupation: Flood Risk Consultant

Tribe: La Nena

Strategy: “My strategy coming into the game comprised of 2 key elements; firstly establish myself as an indispensable member of the tribe during the early phase of the game by performing well at Challenges and working hard around the camp.

“Then secondly was to find myself a “Shield” player, or failing that, to create one.

“Someone ideally who would take a real leadership role within the tribe and more importantly, is regarded as a bigger target than myself.

“I’ll sit right behind them as long as I can!” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Lee

Age: 28

From: Belfast (originally Limerick)

Occupation: Professional Boxer

Tribe: La Nena

Strategy: “My plan was to just to be myself and perform well in challenges, I felt like that’s where my strengths would lie.

“In terms of a proper strategy, I came in blind as I haven’t seen the show before – I’m an idiot!” (BBC)

Placement: TBA

Who has been eliminated from Survivor UK?

Rach – OUT

Age: 23

From: Glasgow

Occupation: Personal Trainer

Tribe: La Nena

Strategy: “The most important thing to me going into the game was to be myself and to know my strategy – you’ll have to tune in to find out more!” (BBC)

Placement: 16th (3rd eliminated)

Sabrina – OUT

Age: 45

From: Stroud

Occupation: Ultramarathon Runner and Charity Founder

Tribe: La Nena

Strategy: “My strategy was to try not to be a threat, to dull my personality and to not assume a lead role or be bossy. To be silent!”

Placement: 17th (2nd eliminated)

Richard – OUT

Age: 36

From: Dalkeith (Scotland)

Occupation: Pensions Manager/RAF Reservist

Tribe: Caletón

Strategy: “I wanted to try to be in the middle of the pack and look for opportunities that I could use to my advantage.

“All the while enjoying the game and experience.

Placement: 18th (1st eliminated)

Follow writer Conor O’Brien on Twitter