Host Jonathan LaPaglia stated:
"Due to what happened in the challenge today, Ross has sustained a broken ankle. And the medical team has advised that he cannot continue in the game. The good news in all that is that there is no tribal council and tonight no one is going home."
Later, Ross hobbled back on set in crutches to bid his team farewell as it was sadly confirmed that he would have to leave Australian Survivor.
The contestant told TV Week that the seriousness of the injury was only made clear after the episode aired.
"I've been to a couple of physio appointments, I've had an operation. It's a long road ahead still, I won't be surfing for another four to six months. This is the hardest thing to do, surfing is my livelihood so I can't do anything, it's horrible," he said.
Ross was a season favourite for Australian Survivor 2019, and his exit prompted fans to tweet their dismay.
One fan was convinced that Australian Survivor's props specialists were at fault, tweeting:
"If you watch the replay of Ross’ accident, it happens because the rope he swings on either breaks or comes untied. Completely not the fault of Ross but the fault of the people setting up challenge. Poor Rosco was ripped off!"
Despite his unfortunate exist, Ross waved goodbye to the Channel Ten show with a smile.
"I’ve done some of the most physically demanding things in the world, surfing 80ft waves, but this Survivor experience is another level," he told news.com.au.
Australian Survivor airs 7:30 pm Sundays to Tuesdays on Ten.
