I’ve been watching Survivor thanks to my then-husband and more recently my son, ever since legend Richard Hatch won a million dollars 26 years ago.
It was the start of what would become one of the most iconic shows of all time, with dozens of versions filmed all over the world since.
Which is why, when I was offered a place to witness the finale of Australian Survivor: Redemption, with Sydney Harbour and the Opera House as the backdrop – in front of a live audience for the first time in years – I couldn’t say no.
There’s nothing like seeing the host (I miss you OG Jeff Probst) read out the final votes… and ultimately announce the “Sole Survivor.”
It’s a life-changing moment for the winner, after beating out everyone in physical challenges, through starvation and sleepless nights… whilst enduring a bunch of strangers who can – and will – betray you for the prize money.
For the viewer, who’s been invested for months, it’s also a make or break scene. I’m always a sucker for the underdog, even more so these days when I’m a middle-aged adult and I know just how hard life can be and how much a battler deserves a win.
How I met the winner of Survivor: Redemption an hour before his life changed
I head into the media drinks before the finale filming, and a PR agent tells me that the final two contestants are here.
There’s Jackson Goonrey, and Caleb Beeby.
I chat to Jackson first, who is funny, charming, and has a glorious mullet. He’s so cool, I feel like a geriatric old-age pensioner.
He’s a wrestler and a young bloke, 24 – just five years older than my son. The prize money of $500k would help him achieve his dreams, but he adds that it’s also a dream of his since he was six to compete on the show.
I hope he wins.
Then I meet Caleb.
View this post on Instagram
Chaos Caleb – winner of Australian Survivor
This firecracker of a man was nicknamed Chaos Caleb in the series, and talking to him in person, I can see why. The 28-year-old is a bright spark, with his witty conversation, candidness, and general high energy.
And of course, there’s his sparkling blue eyes – there’s no better way to describe the first thing you notice about him. And as the saying goes, the eyes are the window to the soul.
When I ask Caleb if he’s excited being the final two, he’s a bit surprised – it’s news that the live audience is about to learn at the filming.
I realise I’ve just been given the chance to speak to the final two without others knowing they’re the final two – and without them knowing I know until I admit it… Yes, the PR agent did me an incredible solid.
I’m able to capture them in the moments just before their life changes.
“I’m a truck driver,” Caleb tells me, when I ask him what he does when he’s not being in the final two of Survivor.
“But I’m also studying ecology. It’s amazing that I can get to do that after doing so many years in the truck. I’m so grateful.”
You can tell it was a huge decision for him to follow his passion. Indeed, he calls himself a “Wildlife warrior” on his Insta profile, and even reminds me of Steve Irwin a little with his exuberance.
When I ask if he’s excited about potentially winning, he tells me something that shows how it would change his life:
“This would be not just life-changing for me, but for generations. For my children’s children, you know.”
He says something similar in the reunion show, which is filmed later.
Caleb is a young man who’s worked very hard for his opportunities, and is simply gobsmacked that he’s living the life he is, with the chance to get an advanced education and move his future in a different direction.
Is he excited about the potential for $500k prize money, then? He plays it cool – but it doesn’t seem like an act.
“Nah, mate, I never thought I’d be here.”
It’s time to move to filming, so I don’t get to ask what that means. Maybe he means being in Sydney from South Gippsland, or a reality tv contestant, or less than an hour from having his life sensationally changed.
I ask him for a photo and he happily agrees, and poses for it with his arm around my shoulder… so natural and warm.
Just like with Jackson, I hope he wins… but maybe just a tiny bit more.
When I met Caleb Beeby. He laughed when I said we were “twinning” in our outfits. Image: supplied
Who is Caleb Beeby, the Sole Survivor?
Network 10 really outdid themselves with the finale set up.
Filming was outside of the iconic Overseas Passenger Terminal, with the glistening Opera House sails across the water. What an experience.
I’m still so in love with this city after eight years of being here, I’ll admit teared up like a baby, feeling sentimental, knowing what the it feels like watching a finale at home – and how that would be amplified tonight.
Are those the eponymous tribal council flames flickering in front of the sails of the Opera House? It’s surreal.
Within minutes, the audience learns upon the screening of the penultimate tribal council that Caleb, using the power of his first immunity necklace of the season, votes to take Jackson to the final two.
They are shook at this surprise move – but Caleb knows what he’s doing.
The jury (comprised of all the cast) comes in. David Genet then appears, vote box in hand. He’s ready to read the final vote. A ferry floats by, beeping its horn, much to everyone’s delight.
Genet tries again. As usual, it seems like those iconic stiff white cards he pulls out with names on them are equal.
Then at around vote six, Caleb becomes the clear winner. Genet makes the announcement.
There’s screams, tears – and that’s not just me.
Caleb is just beyond ecstatic and his family surround him with the tightest group hug I’ve ever seen.
What a worthy winner. He played a highly tactical game, which included playing cast mates against each other – especially Jackson.
Caleb, you outwitted, outplayed and outlasted, as the Survivor slogan goes.
Who know what heights you will reach now, bolstered by a huge emotional and financial win.
But one thing I do know, you’ll always be the young man who called me mate so naturally, and threw his arm around me, a total stranger, a middle-aged woman, for the happiest photo – because you’re a winner with or without the show.
Congrats, mate.
Top image: Caleb Beeby. Image: Network 10