Channel 7 has today confirmed Ant Middleton as the host for its big-budget new reality franchise Million Dollar Island.
TV Blackbox was the first to reveal the commissioning of the highly anticipated format back in February.
Million Dollar Island is a new TV concept in which 100 people try to stay on a remote desert island, vying for a chance to win $1 million. But surviving the harsh conditions with limited means isn’t the only challenge.
Confirming the news, Middleton described the new show as part “Lost” and part “Hunger Games” but not quite as brutal;
“This is a high-stakes challenge for regular, everyday Aussies. Literally anyone can apply. You don’t have to be the fittest or the strongest person to win big.
Emotional intelligence and self-belief are key here. I can’t wait to see what the Aussie contestants have got, how well they know themselves and how far they’ll go to change their lives.”
The Australian version of Million Dollar Island will debut on Channel 7 in 2023, the network is yet to confirm full details but it’s likely this massive new franchise will screen against Nine’s ratings machine Married At First Sight.
Described as a “revolutionary new social experiment”, this series will be produced for the Australian market by award-winning Eureka Productions, the maker of some of the world’s biggest entertainment shows, including Seven’s Farmer Wants A Wife.
Each contestant starts the adventure with a bracelet worth $10,000. While they are on the island, contestants can gain and lose bracelets by competing in various games.
They can also receive bracelets from other contestants. When someone gives up and decides to leave the island, they must give their bracelet(s) to a contestant who stays behind.
Alliances mean everything. Friendships are worth a fortune. Some contestants will become richer by winning games and inheriting bracelets, while those who lose and fail to collect new bracelets must eventually go home.
By the last day, only a few contestants are left on the island. In a thrilling finale, they will each get their chance to cash in their bracelets during an exciting test of nerves. However, they can also lose everything at the last minute.
The Million Dollar Island format was co-developed by John de Mol, the creative genius behind Big Brother and The Voice, together with Wim van Dam and Jourik van der Vorst.
It launched in the Netherlands in early March, produced by Mr De Mol’s Talpa, and has scored impressive ratings.
Studio Lambert, whose credits includes Gogglebox and The Circle, is producing US and UK editions of Million Dollar Island. NBC has commissioned the series for the US market. The show has also been sold to the Middle East.
Seven’s Chief Content Officer, Entertainment Programming, Angus Ross, said:
““Ant is the perfect choice to host Million Dollar Island. He is smart, tough and a brilliant strategist, qualities that will be invaluable as he immerses himself in the game play in what promises to be the most engaging and fascinating new series Australia has seen in a long time.”
John de Mol has developed some of the most original, successful and impactful formats in television history. The game play, strategy, emotion and drama – set in a beautiful, remote location – will make Million Dollar Island one of the must-watch TV shows of 2023.”
Eureka Productions Co-CEO, Paul Franklin, said:
“Million Dollar Island is event television at its best. Playing out in a stunningly exotic setting, this will be an unmissable series packed with intrigue, secret alliances, and incredibly high stakes. We’re thrilled to be bringing such an exciting show to Seven’s viewers.”
Million Dollar Island is now casting everyday Aussies from all walks of life. If you’re ready to change your life, apply now at www.milliondollarisland.com.au
Middleton is also looking forward to hosting future seasons of SAS Australia for Seven
