'Survivor: Blood vs. Water' (XFINITY)
During the “Survivor: Caramoan – Fans vs. Favorites” finale, the good folks at CBS teased us with the visual of a drop of red dye splashing into a pool of clear water and a snazzy logo that said “Blood vs. Water.” Today I’m here to tell you exactly what they were hinting at…
The 27th season of the legendary reality competition “Survivor” will feature several game-bending twists (which Jeff Probst breaks down here), the return of the polarizing Redemption Island, and one of the most unique casts ever. This new cast will consist of ten returning players, each with their own loved one. This motley crew includes…
• Three former million-dollar winners.
• One of the most popular players of all time.
• One of the most hated players in recent “Survivor” history.
• A former “Big Brother” winner.
• A player who is returning to a “Survivor” beach for the first time in thirteen years.
Quick Note: I had a chance to sit down with all twenty of this season’s competitors in the days before the game began. Starting Tuesday, September 3rd I’ll be posting exclusive interviews with each pairing. Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@gordonholmes) for those interviews, behind-the-scenes exclusives, and more…
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Name: Tyson Apostol Age: 34 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Rachel’s boyfriend Previous Seasons: “Survivor: Tocantins” – second jury member and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” – sixth person voted out. Current Residence: Provo, Utah Occupation: Former Pro Cyclist/Shop Manager Why Did He Want to Play “Survivor” with His Loved One?: I returned to “Survivor” to play with my loved one so we could make some sweet cash, have a rad experience, and an excuse to take all life’s responsibilities off for a couple months. |
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Name: Rachel Foulger Age: 33 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Tyson’s girlfriend Current Residence: Provo, Utah Occupation: Cocktail Waitress/Graphic Designer Personal Claim to Fame: Starting and owning my own business that landed sales with Target and QVC. Pet Peeves: Chewing with your mouth open, driving slow in the fast lane, getting in my personal space. Three Words to Describe You: Motivated, creative, and happy. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I’m hardworking, people friendly, and sneaky. |
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Name: Rupert Boneham Age: 49 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Laura’s Husband Previous Seasons: “Survivor: Pearl Islands – second jury member, “Survivor: All Stars” – sixth jury member, won $1 million fan favorite vote, and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” – seventh jury member. Current Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana Occupation: Mentor for Troubled Teens Why Did He Want to Play “Survivor” with His Loved One?: “Survivor” has been one of the most exciting experiences in my life. And to have the chance to share that with my wife is amazing. To have Laura out there on the island with me, we will have the chance to share one of the greatest adventures one can have. You can describe what “Survivor” is like, but until you’ve lived it, it is hard to understand. To be able to go out and play with my best friend will be a dream come true. |
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Name: Laura Boneham Age: 44 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Rupert’s Wife Current Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana Occupation: Merchandiser Personal Claim to Fame: Raising a bright, independent, beautiful daughter who is now thirteen years old. Pet Peeves: Mean people and people being treated unfairly. Three Words to Describe You: Strong, smart, and brave. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I am a huge competitor and game player. I am a leader that can positively bond our tribe. I can fish, forage for food, and work exceptionally hard at camp. |
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Name: Aras Baskauskas Age: 31 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Vytas’ Brother Previous Season: The winner of “Survivor: Panama – Exile Island.” Current Residence: Santa Monica, California Occupation: Musician Why Did He Want to Play “Survivor” with His Loved One?: I want to play “Survivor” with Vytas because I know we’ll have a great shot at winning. More importantly, I know an experience like “Survivor” will bring us closer together. Early in our lives, we had a very rocky relationship. Taking on adventures as adults gives us the chance to make up for lost time. |
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Name: Vytas Baskauskas Age: 33 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Aras’ Brother Current Residence: Santa Monica, California Occupation: Yoga Instructor/Math Professor Personal Claim to Fame: Beating heroin addiction, yoga discipline, and receiving a graduate degree in math. Pet Peeves: Stupidity and show-offs. Three Words to Describe You: Smart, strong-willed, and unique. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I am very assertive. It is unlike me to not get what I want. I am also smart and sociable so my people skills will do me well. I have a good social awareness. My personality is unique and although I may not be the most-liked, that’s not such a bad thing in getting to the end. |
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Name: Gervase Peterson Age: 43 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Marissa’s Uncle Previous Season: “Survivor: Borneo” – third jury member Current Residence: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Occupation: Cigar Lounge Owner Why Did He Want to Play “Survivor” with His Loved One?: I wanted to return to “Survivor” because I felt that I could win the game if given another chance, and what better way to play than to play with my niece, Marissa. She is just as driven, focused, and competitive as me. This is the ultimate experience and I get to share it with her. |
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Name: Marissa Peterson Age: 21 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Gervase’s Niece Current Residence: Chapel Hill, North Carolina Occupation: Student Personal Claim to Fame: Putting myself through college. Pet Peeves: When people say they’re going to do something and don’t do it. Three Words to Describe You: Outgoing, adventurous, and passionate. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I have strong will power, I’m mentally and physically fit, and I don’t give up. |
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Name: Kat Edorsson Age: 23 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Hayden’s Girlfriend Previous Season: “Survivor: One World” – sixth jury member Current Residence: Orlando, Florida Occupation: Full-time Student/Sales Why Did She Want to Play “Survivor” with Her Loved One?: I couldn’t ask to play a better game with a better man. “Survivor” has change my life in more ways than one, so to return for a second season and to compete for a million dollars with someone I love is a dream. Living states away for a year now, winning “Survivor” would change our lives. Besides, who doesn’t want to see what their man is made of! |
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Name: Hayden Moss Age: 26 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Kat’s Boyfriend Current Residence: Springtown, Texas Occupation: Real Estate Personal Claim to Fame: Winning “Big Brother 12.” Pet Peeves: Wrinkly clothes. Three Words to Describe You: Athletic, popular, and respectful. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I have already played and won a game very similar to “Survivor.” |
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Name: Candice Cody (formerly Candice Woodcock) Age: 30 Relationship to Significant Castaway: John’s Wife Previous Seasons: “Survivor: Cook Islands” – fifth jury member and “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villians” – fifth jury member Current Residence: Washington, D.C. Occupation: Physician, Anesthesiology Resident Why Did She Want to Play “Survivor” with Her Loved One?: We are both successful in our individual lives, but we never get a chance to be competitive and play together on a team. I can’t think of anybody I would trust more to be on my side as a teammate. I’m very proud of my husband and I want to show him off! |
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Name: John Cody Age: 30 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Candice’s Husband Current Residence: Washington, D.C. Occupation: Physician: Army Orthopedic Surgery Resident Personal Claim to Fame: Being a West Point grad, graduating from Georgetown Medical School and training at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for my Orthopedic Surgery residency. Pet Peeves: Slow thinkers, talkers, and movers, people who eat paper, illogical, irrational and inflexible people, excuses, mouth breathers. Three Words to Describe You: Competitive, off-the-cuff, and loyal. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I have a well-rounded mix of athleticism, grit, and social emotional intelligence. |
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Name: Laura Morett Age: 43 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Ciera’s Mother Previous Season: “Survivor: Samoa” – third jury member Current Residence: Salem, Oregon Occupation: Co-owner of Morett Construction Why Did She Want to Play “Survivor” with Her Loved One?: So that Ciera will understand what I went through. Now for the rest of our lives we’ll always have this experience to remember and share. |
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Name: Ciera Eastin Age: 24 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Laura’s Daughter Current Residence: Salem, Oregon Occupation: Cosmetology Student Personal Claim to Fame: Despite the fact that I got pregnant at 17, I am most proud of the fact that I finished high school, worked three jobs to support my daughter, and now I am happily married with two beautiful children. Pet Peeves: Incompetent people, slow moving people, and negative people who bring the mojo down. Three Words to Describe You: Competitive, social/personable, and sarcastic. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I bring a “get er’ done” attitude. I don’t sulk or whine and I’m an intense fighter and competitor. I’ll be great to have around camp because I’m resourceful and creative. I’m hard working, I’m goofy and fun which can be uplifting and encouraging. I’m all around great for this game. |
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Name: Monica Culpepper Age: 42 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Brad’s Wife Previous Season: “Survivor: One World” – fifth person eliminated Current Residence: Tampa, Florida Occupation: Former NFL Wife, Homemaker Why Did She Want to Play “Survivor” with Her Loved One?: I wanted the chance to redeem myself from my early exit on One World and there is no better way to do that than with the love of my life and lifelong tribemate, Brad. He’s my guy and having my “shield” out there is an adventure in itself. |
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Name: Brad Culpepper Age: 44 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Monica’s Husband Current Residence: Tampa, Florida Occupation: Attorney and Retired NFL Player. Played for the Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Chicago Bears. Personal Claim to Fame: My 21-year marriage. Pet Peeves: Hypocrisy and long goodbyes. Three Words to Describe You: Tenacious, independent, and forward-thinking. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I grew up in a stilt house on Dog Island in the Gulf of Mexico, spent 18 years in various locker rooms dealing with all kinds, and have devoted my last 12 years as a trial attorney, persuading people to understand my clients’ positions. |
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Name: Colton Cumbie Age: 22 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Caleb’s Fiancé Previous Season: “Survivor: One World” – medically evacuated on day sixteen due to illness. Current Residence: Collinsville, Alabama Occupation: Student Teacher Why Did He Want to Play “Survivor” with His Loved One?: I probably wouldn’t have said yes to returning if not for this specific twist. Last time I played I was extremely homesick and missed Caleb like crazy. He is my best friend and probably is the one between the two of us who should’ve been on “Survivor” in the first place. While I’m a highly emotional person, Caleb is very logical. He also keeps me calm in stressful situations. Having him with me will give me the emotional stability I need to combine with my already strong concept of strategy. |
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Name: Caleb Bankston Age: 26 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Colton’s Fiancé Current Residence: Collinsville, Alabama Occupation: Post Office Manager/Farmer Personal Claim to Fame: Shooting a 12-point buck on my first deer hunt. Pet Peeves: People who don’t put down their cell phones. Three Words to Describe You: Hard-working, hard-headed, and outdoorsman. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I am very good at working with my hands, really good at figuring things out, and problem solving. |
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Name: Tina Wesson Age: 52 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Katie’s Mother Previous Season: Winner of “Survivor: The Australian Outback” and “Survivor: All Stars” – first player eliminated. Current Residence: Robbinsville, North Carolina Occupation: Motivational Speaker Why Did She Want to Play “Survivor” with Her Loved One?: “Survivor” gets in your blood. It is a thrill and an honor and a quest to get to play! Then to be able to share the experience with my daughter who happens to also be my best friend, what a gift! |
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Name: Katie Collins Age: 25 Relationship to Significant Castaway: Tina’s Daughter Current Residence: New York, New York Occupation: Hedge Fund Support Personal Claim to Fame: Raising thousands of dollars for the American Lung Association by climbing 55 flights of stairs at Penn Plaza. Pet Peeves: Grammar misuses and poor manners. Three Words to Describe You: Creative, funny, and driven. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I’m wildly creative and that translates to everything I do; cooking, games and strategies that would put my team and I ahead of others. |
Don’t miss the special 90-minute premiere of “Survivor: Blood vs. Water” on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 8 p.m. ET.
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