Actor and TV presenter, Nico Panagio, will be part of M-Net’s new edition of Survivor South Africa – but not as one of the celebrity contestants. Instead, he will be hosting the show.

While M-Net is still keeping the identity of the celebrity competitors under wraps, channel executives have confirmed that Nico will facilitate the grueling Survivor challenges and snuff the tribe mates’ torches at the dreaded tribal councils.

The new season of Survivor South Africa will be recorded in November and December on a deserted island in the Indian Ocean and will be broadcast on M-Net from 20 January 2010.

Nico says being given the chance to be part of one of the most popular reality shows in the world is a dream come true. “I love Survivor, and even entered as a competitor in the past. I’ll never be able to test my Survivor skills, but the upside is that my presence in the show is guaranteed all the way to the end! Jokes aside, this is amazing and I’m ready for the adventure of a lifetime.”

Nico is known for his previous roles in several soaps and dramas, and as the host of popular local magazine shows. However, this man is happiest when he has a chance to explore the great outdoors. Apart from surfing; horse riding; and hiking, he is also an avid mountain biker and has qualified as and Advanced Diver.

This, along with his training in body guarding and paramedics, and expertise in three martial arts disciplines, equip him superbly for the job of hosting Survivor.

Helen Smit, M-Net’s Head of Local Content, says this season of Survivor South Africa puts a whole new spin on the familiar format. “The celebs are being hand-picked to ensure non-stop entertainment. They have fiery artistic spirits and Nico’s solid, calming presence will be the foil to keep them in check.”

Nico replaces Mark Bayly, who is not available, due to his commitments as host of M-Net’s weekly magazine show, All Access.