Meet Survivor UK contestant - Matthew

Age: 21
From: Cumbria
Occupation: Hospitality

What made you want to be a contestant on Survivor?

I wanted to be a contestant on Survivor because I knew this was the ultimate challenge! An amazing chance to really get stuck in and see what I’m made of. I turned 21 a few months ago and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my summer, I’m so thankful for the opportunity. I really wanted to push myself to the limits and I genuinely mean that – this is a dream. I was looking forward to playing the game of Survivor because there’s so much to think about, it tests you physically and mentally and I was ready for both challenges!

What qualities did you think you’d bring to the game?

I’m very passionate and have a glass half-full perspective on life, so I wanted to bring my positive energy into the game! I’ve got some cool party tricks up my sleeve… I can juggle knives and can balance anything on my head so I thought hopefully I can keep the tribe entertained. I love to laugh and am very determined.

How did you prepare yourself mentally and physically for taking part?

I was keeping fit by going running, plus me and my mates go swimming in lakes and rivers quite often and I live an active lifestyle, so I was excited and ready for the physical side! To prepare mentally I knew that I would need a game plan that could be easily adapted whenever needed. I expected emotions to run high and for there to be some tough decisions I was going to have to make, so I practiced staying calm and trying not to lose focus.

Did you have a strategy of how you were going to play the game?

I love being around people, so my strategy was to play the social game. As the youngest player I knew people would underestimate me but I used that to my advantage. I needed my strategy to be adaptable because I never knew what was going to be thrown at me next. I was there to play and wanted to play with no regrets by being true to myself.

How competitive are you?

Honestly, I put 100% into everything I do, I just want to make my friends and family proud. I’ve played lots of team sports in the past, so when working as a tribe I feel very comfortable. I wanted to do well for myself but also for the tribe in challenges. But I do play chess against my Grandad quite often and we both like to win!

What kind of challenges were you most looking forward to?

Definitely the water challenges, I love jumping from heights and swimming. I was also looking forward to trying an endurance challenge, something that pushes the mind and body to see how I’d cope.

How did you cope with living on a beach with no home comforts?

I just embraced the dirt and the conditions and I wasn’t scared to get my hands dirty, I just wanted to get stuck in! I realised that in everyday life I take all my home comforts for granted but the fact I have a comfy bed to sleep on and food in the fridge is such a privilege. But on the beach not having these home comforts brought everyone in the tribe together because all we had is each other and we were all living in the moment. One of the home comforts I missed most was definitely a cup of tea… I drink so much of it at home, it was a big shock to my system!

How did you cope with the hunger?

I was craving every food you could imagine! Even foods I don’t like. My hunger cravings were going from one extreme to another… one minute I was craving loads of ice cream next minute I fancied fish and chips! There was just no taste or flavour in my mouth. We were trying every possible way to get flavours in our food!

What did you learn from being on the show?

I learned that being able to adapt to situations even at the last minute is so important. I made some amazing connections and learned that I’m much more independent than I ever knew. I was so present, living in the moment I learned to take everything in and appreciate every day because I never knew which was going to be my last. I played with no regrets. My biggest takeaway was that when all my home comforts were taken away from me, I realised what was important in my life and what wasn’t. It was the longest I’ve ever been without my family and friends and I couldn’t wait to see them and tell them about the crazy adventure I’d been on! But sleeping outdoors is something I can’t wait to do again! I’m a proper “Islander” now!