Survivor Russell: Why I'm now in really big trouble

Talking exclusively to WHO’s TV podcast, Binge List, Russell confessed his ill-fated choice to appear on Australian Survivor likely means he will now not star in the upcoming Legends season of the US show, which will mark its 40^th season.

Admitting that appearing on the Aussie show has ‘jeopardised so much’, Russell told Binge List, ‘I know for a fact that I was going to get called for the next Legends’.

But when questioned about whether his notorious past on the program meant his future prospects on the show were already highly dubious, Russell conceded he would always be an immediate target for other contestants.

‘They’re just so jealous of me, I don’t know what it is, but they’re so not wanting to be my friend,’ he exclusively told the podcast.

‘The legends…. I remember getting off the bus for the Heroes vs Villains season, and everyone gets off - Boston Rob gets off, Coach gets off, Rupert gets off - and everyone starts yelling for me, and the “superstars” don’t like that.

‘When I came into the picture, they hated that.

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‘I was sitting at the People’s Choice Awards, next to Rupert. I told him, you know I’m going to win Fan Favorite, and he was like “No way, no way. And I won Fan Favorite.”’

Despite Russell’s glowing self-regard, Binge List guest and US Survivor fan Hamish Blake wasn’t impressed by his recent performance.  

‘He prides himself on being one of the greatest players of all time, but he’s committed the ultimate sin,’ Hamish told listeners.

‘He’s committed the ultimate, ultimate sin. The ultimate sin is, go home with an idol in your pocket. The ultimate, ultimate sin is to go home with one around your neck, where everyone can see it.’

You can listen to Russell’s full interview – and guest stars Hamish Blake and Andy Lee’s commentary, in this week’s episode of Binge List – out now. Details below!