It was announced this morning that “Survivor” Hall of Famers Russell Hantz and “Boston” Rob Mariano will round out the cast of “Survivor: Redemption Island.” This will be Hantz’s third and Mariano’s fourth appearance on the popular reality competition. Neither player has ever claimed the show’s million-dollar prize.
When asked how he’d approach another opportunity to play “Survivor,” Mariano said, “Each time I’ve played I have tried to recognize what mistakes I have made in the past and have tried to not make them again. Also each time you play, you will be in a different situation whether it be who you’re playing with, how many contestants there are, how many tribes there are, the location, etc. There are too many variables to have a set game plan that you are going to stick to. Adaptability and being able to think on your feet and outside the box are good traits to have.”
This isn’t the first time a pair of popular players has squared off against an all-new cast. In 2005, Stephenie LaGrossa and Bobby Jon Drinkard returned to compete in “Survivor: Guatemala.” Drinkard was the 10th person to be eliminated from the game, while LaGrossa managed to make it to the final two. She was eventually defeated by Danni Boatwright by a vote of six to one.
“Survivor: Redemption Island” will premiere Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
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