After a strong premiere, Australian Survivor saw a ratings decline over the following episodes.

But now Channel Ten's reality TV juggernaut is back on the upswing after Tuesday night's episode, which saw a shocking double twist in which tribe members were swapped instead of eliminated at tribal council.

On top of adding some extra numbers to its total, Australian Survivor also narrowly beat rivals The Block and Zumbo's Just Desserts in key demographics.

Survivor's surviving! Australian Survivor saw a ratings spike following Tuesday's episode

Overall, Tuesday's episode managed 728,000 viewers, adding 51,000 eyeballs from Monday's installment.

While still beaten by both The Block and Zumbo's Just Desserts overall, Australian Survivor defeated both shows in the 18-49 and 16-49 demographics.

The Block also achieved the lowest numbers of its current season, managing just 792,000 viewers - a decrease of 152,000 compared to last Tuesday.

Drama: The ratings increase was likely driven by a shocking double twist

Better luck next time! Australian Survivor managed to beat The Block and Zumbo's Just Desserts in the key 18-49 and 16-49 demographics

However, it's not all bad news for the Nine network, with the return of Married At First Sight attracting 810,000 viewers and winning all three demographics, including the older 25-54 demo.

Channel Ten will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief after Australian Survivor's ratings increase, following a decision last week to increase the show from two nights a week to three.

With the ratings bump, adding Survivor to Tuesdays was clearly the right move.

It paid off: Ten will be breathing a sigh of relief after Australian Survivor's ratings increase following a decision last week to increase the show from two nights a week to three

Shocking: Tuesday's jaw-dropping double twist left both viewers AND castaways in shock

The show, which has been a smash on social media, likely attracted some extra eyeballs thanks to a highly-publicized double twist.

Following a dramatic start to tribal council, which saw the Saanapu tribe descend into squabbling and backstabbing as Vavau watched in disbelief, host Jonathan Lapaglia announced that the members who had been voted off would instead be moved to the opposing tribe.

The mischievous Nick and Conner, who had both been causing trouble in their respective teams, were then switched - which Nick cursing out his original tribe as he made the transition.

Switching teams: Both Nick and Conner (pictured with Brooke) switched tribes in the twist

In another unexpected twist, the pair had to choose someone from their original tribe to take with them.

Nick chose to take pal Tegan, while Connor - on team Saanapu - chose to take Sam.

Nick and Connor threw their original bandannas into the fire, with Nick not holding back, saying: 'Yellow didn't want me, now I don't want yellow.'