THE tribe at Network Ten has spoken: Jonathan LaPaglia has been named as the host of upcoming big-budget reality series Australian Survivor.

The Aussie actor, best known for his roles in TV series including Love Child and The Slap, will be seen by many as a surprising choice for the network. Not only is this his first hosting gig, but his name hasn’t once appeared during the months of speculation about who would take on the coveted role.

Experienced Australian hosts including Rove McManus, Jamie Durie and Dr Chris Brown were all popular picks for the plum job.

Even LaPaglia himself is still trying to work out how he managed to beat out such seasoned competitors.

“I’m not sure why they singled me out,” the 46-year-old actor told News Corp from his LA home.

“Out of the blue my agent called me and said, ‘How would you feel about hosting Survivor?

media_camera LaPaglia says producers had a list of attributes for the hosting role.

They know I’m into outdoor pursuits and I guess they wanted someone who had some humanity for the contestants, but was also an authoritative figure. That’s how (the producers) put it to me. I think they must be talking about someone else though!”

Already a fan of the popular American series, which is currently in it’s 32nd season, since landing the gig LaPaglia has been binge-watching old episodes to get up to speed before he starts work.

“My daughter (Tilly, 11, with wife Ursula Brooks) hadn’t seen Survivor before but now we’ve been watching a whole bunch together,” he said. “The whole family is totally hooked and obsessed.”

He also got some much needed advice from American host Jeff Probst about how to tackle the demanding gig.

With Probst having to constantly think on his feet while commentating unpredictable challenges plus helming emotional and explosive tribal councils, he’s often named as having one of the most challenging hosting roles on television.

media_camera Jonathan LaPaglia gained some valuable insights from US Survivor host Jeff Probst.

The pair met over coffee where LaPaglia grilled Probst about the complexities of the role, especially how to helm those critical tribal councils.

“His job in that part of the show is to try and peel back layers and press buttons to try and expose people,” said LaPaglia

“Hopefully I’ll be attentive and perceptive and pick upon stuff that’s going on.”

With the number of applicants for the series now at well over 15,000 people, LaPaglia will travel to the yet-to-be-disclosed South Pacific location for over two months when filming starts later this year.

And while he made a point that acting is still his number one passion, he’s certainly open to another hosting role should Survivor work out well.

“I’m totally terrified doing a job like Survivor but excited too,” he said. “I love a challenge.”