Survivor host Jeff Probst has explained why two Season 49 castaways missed out on their chance to play the game and got replaced prior to filming.

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Two of the 18 Survivor castaways for Season 49 were kicked out of the cast and sent home from Fiji before they could even begin playing the game, Entertainment Weekly reported.

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That meant two people who were brought to Fiji as alternates, Jason Treul and Michelle "MC" Chukwujekwu, got to compete for the $1 million.

"Typically, we bring 18 players to Fiji and we bring two alternates just in case something unexpected happens. And this season, something unexpected happened," Jeff revealed to EW.

"We removed two players from the game and our two alternates -- who thought they were there just as insurance knowing that most likely they would be invited back next year to play -- were suddenly thrust into the game. It was a shock, for sure."

Just hours before filming began, Jason and MC -- who had been clinging onto hope they could play to outwit, outplay and outlast sooner rather than later -- joined the cast.

"What I can say about the reason we made the move is this," Jeff said, "Survivor has rules and standards, and if a player crosses that line, we act. It's one of the reasons we bring alternates, is to have our own insurance."

It seems Survivor had to replace two players -- one male and one female -- because they attempted to talk and strategize before the marooning.

Castaways on location are required to have no verbal communication or physical contact with each other before the game begins. They are not even allowed to make gestures at each other.

It appears two of the initial cast members may have broken that rule, resulting in their dismissal.

"Casting on Survivor is never static. It's always in motion right up until the game begins," Jeff explained.

Jeff shared that alternates are usually brought on location "in case somebody gets sick or has a panic attack and can't begin the game."

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Jeff went on to say, "That's very, very, very rare there. But regardless why we brought them there initially, they are also there to serve as a reminder that we do put a lot of importance on the integrity of the game."

The longtime Survivor host added, "We won't let anything or any person put that in jeopardy."

Jason and MC therefore likely entered the game with a different mind set from all the castaways who had flown to Fiji prepared to starve, compete and leave their family and friends.

"For Jason and MC to be told 12 hours before the game starts, the big question is, will that be an advantage or a disadvantage?" Jeff wondered.

"I tend to think it's an advantage, because you've spent a week observing, but without the pressure of thinking you were going to have to play and put it into motion."

Jeff suggested it was a shock for Jason and MC to learn that they were going to be real players.

"Jason and MC find themselves in this marooning challenge that 12 hours ago they were dreaming might happen one day and suddenly it's right in front of them," Jeff said.

Jeff called this a "completely unique situation" as well as "a cool layer" to this experiment.

"Maybe there's something in there about how we do the pre-game with players. When the season's over, we will definitely evaluate if we thought it had an impact. And, if so, what kind of impact," Jeff noted.

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Survivor 49 will also feature two more alternates who had been hoping to play the game in prior seasons.

Sage Ahrens-Nichols was an alternate on Survivor 47, and Sophie Segreti was an alternate on Survivor 48.

Survivor 49 is now the most alternate-heavy season ever with four alternates playing, according to EW.

"When we tell you you're an alternate, we tell you what that means. It means we want you on the show. We just don't have a spot for you this season. And we really mean it," Jeff explained of the casting process.

"When you make the call to a player, you say, 'Good news, bad news. The bad news is we don't have a spot for you this season. The good news is we'd like you to be an alternate.' There's obviously disappointment, but what I hope comes from this is a reminder that we're usually very good with our word."

Jeff elaborated, "And if we tell you we want you on the show, it's just a matter of when."

Survivor production is clearly serious about its castaways following the rules, and so Jeff wants Season 49 to serve as a warning to all future applicants.

"The word should spread. Just because we tell you you're on the show -- until the game begins, you're not on the show," Jeff concluded.

Survivor 49 is set to premiere with a two-hour episode on Wednesday, September 24 at 8PM ET/PT.

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Survivor will begin airing 90-minute weekly episodes on Wednesday, October 1 at 8PM.


About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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