Parvati Shallow clinched the $250,000 grand prize on the Australia V The World series of Australian Survivor on Sunday night, and the finale also served as a bittersweet farewell to long‑time host Jonathan LaPaglia.
Shallow, a five‑time Survivor contestant and former winner of Survivor: Micronesia — Fans vs. Favorites (2008), secured top honours over Australian finalists Luke Toki and Janine Allis after winning all but one jury vote. In addressing the jury before the vote, Shallow said her strategic control of the game had set her apart and described the win as the "sweetest moment," adding that the season would be her final time competing on Survivor.
Host Jonathan LaPaglia posted a congratulatory message on Instagram, calling Shallow "the greatest of all time" and praising her performance across the social, strategic and physical aspects of the game. The finale was LaPaglia's last as host of the Network Ten series after he confirmed in June that he had been axed following nearly a decade in the role.
Viewers reacted strongly on social media after the broadcast, with many posting disappointment at LaPaglia's departure. Comments on X, formerly Twitter, expressed disbelief that Sunday was LaPaglia's final appearance and questioned whether incoming host David Genat, a former Australian Survivor contestant announced as LaPaglia's replacement in August, could fill the role.
Some users referenced a rumour that Channel Nine might pick up the show and reinstate former host Jonathan Penner, but Network Ten has rebutted that claim. Others praised LaPaglia's tenure, saying the program would not be the same without him and expressing hope that he would return to the franchise in the future.
LaPaglia, 55, told The Daily Telegraph that he had learned of the decision to remove him from the series via a call to his manager in Australia and that he was disappointed not to have received a direct call from network executives. He said the lack of direct notification was disheartening after 10 years hosting the network's flagship reality series.
Shallow, regarded as one of the franchise's most prolific players, told the jury she had been "born to play Survivor" and that being awarded the win on what she described as her final outing made the victory especially meaningful. Her win makes her a two‑time Survivor champion, cementing her place among the show's most successful competitors.
Network Ten has confirmed Genat as LaPaglia's successor, and the broadcaster has publicly denied suggestions of an immediate move of the series to another network. The series' future creative direction beyond the announced host change has not been detailed by the network.