Jeff Probst signs new two-year 'Survivor' hosting contract

"Survivor" ringmaster Jeff Probst has ended months of speculation by signing a new two-year deal with the hit CBS show.

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"I was thinking about retiring and spending my time traveling to exotic locations around the world, meeting new and interesting people," Probst said in a statement Thursday. "Then I realized, uh, wait a second, I'm already doing that with 'Survivor' and getting paid for it, as well."

Probst, 44, has been host of "Survivor" since it hit the air in the summer of 2000. His contract was finished at the end of season 12, which is currently filming at an undisclosed location, E! Online noted.

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His new contract will take him through the 16th season in 2008.

"Survivor: Guatemala" wraps up Sunday night with the announcement of the winner to be followed by a one-hour reunion show.