Jonathan LaPaglia has reportedly returned to Australia, but it seems the former Australian Survivor host has more on his mind than Christmas crackers and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Insiders have suggested the low-key homecoming doubles as a strategic career reset following his shock exit from the popular reality series.
The long-time host, 56, who is based in Los Angeles, is believed to be basing himself in Queensland for the festive period, keeping a deliberately low profile while reconnecting with family.
But sources have told Daily Mail the trip isn’t purely personal.
‘Christmas was the perfect reason to come home,’ one insider revealed.
‘But he’s also using the time to take meetings and feel out what opportunities exist locally.’
Jonathan LaPaglia has reportedly returned to Australia for the holidays, but it seems the former Australian Survivor host has more on his mind than Christmas crackers and New Year’s Eve celebrations
Following his departure from Survivor, LaPaglia was reportedly hopeful new work would materialise in the US, where he has long split his time.
While conversations took place, no projects are understood to have been confirmed.
‘He genuinely thought something would fall into place over there,’ the source added.
‘There was interest, but nothing firm. That’s been frustrating.’
Rather than wait it out overseas, those close to LaPaglia say he decided to make the most of being back on home soil.
‘He figured, if I’m here anyway, I might as well see what’s happening,’ the insider explained.
It was suggested that LaPaglia is keeping his options open, with discussions spanning hosting roles, scripted television, streaming projects and even film.
‘He’s not limiting himself,’ the source claimed.
The long-time host, 56, who is based in Los Angeles, is believed to be basing himself in Queensland for the festive period, keeping a deliberately low profile while reconnecting with family
‘He’s open to different formats and genres. He’s still seen as premium talent.’
Given his next role will be his first major commitment since Survivor, the decision is particularly significant.
‘He doesn’t want to jump into just anything,’ the source added. ‘It has to be the right project.’
Despite his high profile, LaPaglia has avoided public appearances since returning, opting for family barbecues and beach time over industry events.
He is keeping such a low profile that he hasn’t documented any of his festive Down Under trip on Instagram.
‘He didn’t want fanfare,’ the insider said.
This was about grounding himself and working out what comes next.’
While nothing concrete has eventuated for LaPaglia since returning Down Under, industry insiders claim he has generated some buzz.
‘There’s genuine interest,’ an industry insider told Daily Mail. ‘People still want him.’
As LaPaglia spends Christmas in Queensland with family, those close to him say the message is clear: this isn’t just a holiday. It’s a calculated reset.
Following his departure from Survivor, LaPaglia was reportedly hopeful new work would materialise in the US, where he has long split his time. While conversations took place, no projects are understood to have been confirmed.
If talks progress as expected, his next on-screen move may not be far away.
Daily Mail has reached out to representatives of LaPaglia for comment.
LaPaglia shocked fans in June when he confirmed he had been axed from Australian Survivor.
The TV personality, who hosted the Channel Ten series for nearly a decade, was met with a rally of support after he revealed he would be fronting the show for the last time in the Australia V The World series.
Following the shock axing, LaPaglia revealed to the Daily Telegraph the brutal way he found out he had lost his job.
‘The speculation online was that I received an email. But no, it was a call to my manager in Australia,’ he told the publication.
‘I didn’t get a direct call, which, I’ll be honest with you, was disappointing.
‘After 10 years of helming their flagship show, it would have been nice to get a direct call from the people at the top, but I didn’t.’
It was revealed in August that production was already underway for the 2026 season, with David Genat taking over as the show’s new host.
