Viewers around the nation collectively lost their s**t when fan-favourite Feras Basal was crowned the winner of Australian Survivor 2024 – and it’s unlikely to be the last time he graces our screens.
The OG Rebel’s position in the game was in serious strife when the final three came to include two of his greatest nemesis, Titans Caroline Courtis and Mark Warnock.
However, Feras managed to muster all the strength he could find and win the final Immunity Challenge, which saw him choose to bring Caroline to the final two.
Caroline and Feras pled their cases in front of the Jury in the finale, and Feras reigned triumphant, winning the season with a completely unanimous vote.
Feras was undoubtedly one of the most iconic winners to ever come out of Australian Survivor, and he’s totally on board for a return to the franchise, suggesting that he could face George Mladenov in an All-Stars season.
“Oh my god, that would be amazing. I would love to go back a second time on Survivor,” he said in an exclusive winner’s interview with Chattr.
Feras Basal would love to return to TV
Prior to appearing on Australian Survivor, Feras had over 70,000 followers on his TikTok account, where he’d regularly post hilarious short videos.
During our interview, Feras said he’d jump at the chance to launch a career in TV.
“I’ve always said this my whole life, I’ve always wanted to make a career out of entertainment,” he said. “Whether it be a TV show or reality show. I love that I can entertain people and that people are entertained by me. “
“So whatever chance or opportunity I get to be on something else, I’m 100% going to take it and grab it”
Feras pointed out that after his win, his name was trending on Twitter more than the hit reality TV show MAFS.
“To have me trending on Twitter over MAFS, it just tells me I need my own show!” He laughed.
In Feras’ promo video, he compared himself to iconic Survivor player King George, who’s appeared in two seasons and came runner-up in one. “I’m here to finish what he couldn’t do,” Feras said – and turns out, he did it!
Feras said that George isn’t salty about his win, but instead very happy for him.
“George, thankfully, he’s really, really proud of me. I think he just wanted to see someone from Western Sydney win. He’s been really, really gracious and supportive. I’m so grateful to have someone like George as a friend.”
The unaired Tribal scene that almost made Feras give up on the Sole Survivor title
During the interview Feras’ revealed that there was a lot more that went down at the final Tribal Council than was shown on TV.
“My speech actually went for about ten minutes. I named all my moves,” he revealed.
Viewers were confused when Jaden and Raymond’s Jury questions weren’t aired, and the Australian Survivor winner shared exactly what they’d said.
“Jaden didn’t have a question, but he did have a comment which was really nice. He pretty much said, ‘It’s so nice to see, you know, another brother from Western Sydney make it this far and represent the way I did,’ Feras said.
He revealed that Raymond’s question almost made him want to give up on the game and hand Caroline the title.
“Raymond did ask a question, and my answer was shown, but his question wasn’t. He asked both Caroline and me what we would rather have, the title of Sole Survivor or half a million dollars? Caroline said Sole Survivor, and I said half a million dollars. I was so close to saying, ‘You know what, Caroline, you can take the title and I’ll take the half a million dollars,'” he laughed.
What will Feras spend his $500,000 prize money on?
Fortunately for Feras, along with the bragging rights of becoming 2024’s Sole Survivor, he also landed a $500,000 cash prize.
Feras revealed that although they filmed the finale months ago, he didn’t find out that he’d won until the episode aired, which he watched with contestants Raymond, Kirby, Aileen, Rianna, Garrick, Viola, Frankie, Nathan, Jaden, Winna, Kelly and Sarah.
“I found out last night, so you can imagine how on the edge I’ve been for the past couple of months,” he revealed, suggesting that two endings were filmed and the winner was only revealed as the episode aired.
The HR Manager from Western Sydney said that he’ll be frugal with his winnings, but has one splurge in mind.
“I’m not one to splurge at all; I will probably still have my Kmart clothes! The only thing I will splurge on is to go on a bit of a holiday for a bit.”
“Other than that, the rest of the money is literally going to invest in our future. I know it’s the boring answer, but these days, chips are eight dollars!”
What Feras is most proud of
However, while Feras said the title of Sole Survivor and the winnings are great, he’s most proud of being able to represent his culture on Survivor.
“I’m super proud. Number one, winning is amazing and I’m so proud of that. But what I’m most proud of is representing myself, my culture, and my faith in the best way possible. I wanted people to understand that people like me, and people who look like me, can be seen in a positive light because a lot of the time, it isn’t.”
Stream Australian Survivor on 10Play now.
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