Channel Ten's shocking final swipe at Jonathan LaPaglia… as axed Survivor host's private conversations with former cast members are revealed
David was recently spotted arriving overseas to begin filming the new season but insiders have confirmed 'behind the scenes' dust is far from settling.
Jonathan LaPaglia had helmed the hit reality franchise for nearly a decade before being unceremoniously axed.
And insiders say the show's shocking new theme, 'Revenge and Redemption,' is a thinly veiled swipe at his unexpected exit.
'Jonathan is gutted,' a friend of the ousted host told Daily Mail Australia.
'This theme feels personal. Everyone in the Survivor community can see it for what it is.'
Producers replaced the charismatic TV host with David, a former contestant whose unexpected promotion has sparked backlash among fans and confusion on set.
'It's a cost-cutting move, plain and simple,' a source close to production revealed.
'But replacing a seasoned host with a player who's barely earned his stripes? It's baffling.'
Filming is already underway for the new season, which promises to spotlight castaways who've been 'burned, betrayed or blindsided.'
And according to insiders, that drama isn't just happening on camera.
'Jonathan is furious,' one producer confessed.
'He's been calling past players privately. Not just to say goodbye but to vent. He was blindsided and he's not hiding it.'
Daily Mail Australia understands LaPaglia only learned he was being replaced after internal negotiations stalled and executives quietly moved on without him.
'He truly thought he was part of Survivor's legacy,' the insider added.
'Now he's been dumped and the show's taking a victory lap with a theme that cuts deep.
'The new set of players have all signed up for revenge, redemption and resurrection.
'The new set of players have all signed up for revenge, redemption and resurrection. It's about fighting back after being hard done by and it feels ironic that JLP fits that theme.'
It's about fighting back after being hard done by and it feels ironic that JLP fits that theme.'
The revenge-fuelled season promises major shake-ups, but with LaPaglia's loyal fan base already crying foul, the real drama may be unfolding off the island
'They've poked the bear,' one production source warned.
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