Survivor News Flash

Survivor News Flash

Survivor Host Gushes About New Love
New York (AP Oct. 11, 2005) - "Survivor" host Jeff Probst can't stop gushing about "Vanuatu" contestant Julie Berry.

"I finally met someone who could teach me about love," Probst says of Berry in the Oct. 17 issue of People magazine.

Berry, one of 18 contestants on CBS' "Survivor: Vanuatu — Islands of Fire," was among the five still in the running before she was voted off by her rivals. The winner of the ninth edition of the reality show was revealed in December 2004.

The couple didn't start dating until after the show was over, Probst has said. His five-year marriage to Shelley Wright ended in divorce in 2001.

Berry, 24, has moved from Gorham, Maine, to Los Angeles, where she is earning her master's degree in marriage and family therapy at California State University, Northridge.

"Being committed to each other — that's the point," Berry tells the magazine.

Meanwhile, Probst, 43, is mulling renewal of his "Survivor" contract, which is up after he tapes the show's 12th edition this fall.

"There's the inevitable point where you go, `Do I want to do other things?'" he says. "But ... I'll never have as good a job as `Survivor.'"

Jeff Probst Quitting Survivor?
There are several news sources reporting that host Jeff Probst is considering life after Survivor (here's one such article at E! Online). Basically he says that six years is a long time to do one show and now that he's in love with Julie Berry they are considering starting a family together. His contract is up after Survivor Guatemala and he is contemplating whether or not he wants to continue his hosting duties. Doing two editions of Survivor a year means he spends four to six months out of the country. However he does say that he would have trouble finding as good a job as Survivor.

"Love is the E-ticket ride at Disneyland," Jeff Probst (how romantic)

Who Else Can Host Survivor?
The producers of Survivor mentioned that they would consider former Survivors as a possible replacement for Jeff Probst. I think the list is a rather short one.

Long shots: Richard Hatch, winner Borneo, would be a good choice but he is too busy dealing with the IRS. Ethan, winner Africa, not enough experience in front of the camera. Elizabeth, Outback, current host of the View; I don't think she would give up that gig. Jenna Lewis, Borneo, has experience in front of a camera however some of it is of an adult nature so she's out. Rupert, Pearl Island, is popular but has no real TV experience.

Having a decent chance: Jenna Morasca, winner Amazon, has TV hosting experience and is generally well liked (although I don't care for her). Rob C., Amazon, has been on Kill Reality and is the co-producer of the horror movie. Colby, runner-up Outback, would be a good choice however he has a budding acting career and I don't know if he wants to go back to reality TV. Shii Ann, Thailand, has co-hosting experience ( IMDb ) and is in a profession (corporate recruiter) where presentation skills are required. Here's her bio at RealityTV world .

I vote for Shii Ann (pictured), however looking at the former Survivors it would not surprise me if someone other than a former Survivor replaces Jeff Probst if the need arises.