Hunted: meet the cast

10’s new reality chase Hunted begins on Sunday night as nine pairs of Australians go on the run for 21 days from Melbourne, hoping to evade an elite team of investigators.

Deprived of phones and credit cards, armed with just $500 they will have to go off the radar in their hope to make it to a mysterious extraction point for a share of $100,000 prize money.

Get ready to run.

Fugitives

Angie, 56, QLD
Michelle, 53, QLD
Best friends of 30 years and sisters-in-law Angie and Michelle – aka the ‘Swifty Fifties’ – are grabbing this adventure by the throat. They know they’ll be considered underdogs, but that only serves as further motivation.

Derek, 24, NSW
Courtney, 22, NSW
Inspired by this unique chance to be positive role models for family, friends and community, friends Derek and Courtney plan to divert the Hunters’ attention and will rely on Indigenous community links across Victoria.

Erina-Lea, 38, QLD
Jess, 28, QLD
Gutsy Gold Coast friends Erina-Lea and Jess both love a challenge and share a feisty sense of fun. These adrenaline-junkies also share a hunger to succeed at anything they do. Outrunning the Hunters now topping their list.

Jake, 31, WA
Rob, 33, WA
Best friends Jake and Rob might appear like chalk and cheese, but they plan on combining their diverse skills to outsmart the Hunters. Jake, a serving police officer, will bring his law enforcement knowledge, while hairdresser and special effects make-up artist Rob will put his skills as a master of disguise to good use.

Karen, 56, SA
Brittany, 27, SA
Aunty and niece Karen and Brittany are the perfect Hunted co-conspirators. Analytical and well-researched, this duo is planning minimal external contact, no pre-planned itineraries and going off grid wherever possible.

Nicholas, 30, NSW
Lavinia, 27, NSW
For engaged couple Nick and Lavinia, this is not just an adventure, it’s the ultimate stress-test of their relationship. With a passion for mysteries, Lavinia is ready to insert herself into Hunted’sreal-life plot line; while eager survivalist Nick wants to use his considerable outdoors skills to evade the Hunters.

Puneet 33, VIC
Kris, 34, VIC
Sharing a passion for fitness, Puneet and Kris are both disciplined and focussed and where Puneet excels in creativity, Kris will bring critical thought. The pair will rely heavily on their people skills, tapping into their own networks, but also counting on assistance from strangers.

Sonny-Joe, 37, NSW
Grace, 26, NSW
Quirky pals Sonny-Joe and Grace plan on using their passion for fashion as weapon of choice against the Hunters, changing their looks to morph into completely new personas. Disguises and decoys will throw the Hunters off their trail, and Sonny-Joe plans to wield his charm to turn strangers into allies.

Stathi, 35, VIC
Matt, 35, VIC
Best mates Stathi and Matt are keen to push personal limits and challenge themselves on Hunted. They are also passionate about breaking down stereotypes and think their balance of strategy and operations, physical and mental strengths, resilience and ambition to succeed will give them a good shot of outwitting the Hunters.

Hunters

Dr. David Craig – Chief
Hunted Chief David Craig is an exemplary Australian law enforcement veteran of considerable experience. As a Detective Superintendent and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Agent with decades of experience, David led several high-profile investigations, including the 2005 Bali bombings investigation that tracked down South-East Asia’s most wanted terrorist, Dr. Azhari. During his career, David also provided close personal protection (bodyguard) for three Australian Prime Ministers and was deployed to a variety of countries and environments ranging from the jungles of East Timor (2001, United Nations) to the deserts of Afghanistan (2009-2010, NATO Forces). In 2001, David was awarded a doctorate in law (SJD) for his international comparative analysis of the law and practise of federal undercover programs in Australia, USA, UK and the Netherlands. David has trained and worked with several international undercover programs including the FBI, Scotland Yard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Additionally, David has authored several academic articles about undercover operations and a number of non-fiction books including Lie Catcher, Unlocking Secrets and Defeating Terror – Behind the hunt for the Bali bombers. Since retiring from the AFP in 2013, David has run his own covert operations consultancy, working both in Australia and abroad. As a recognised international covert operations specialist, there is none better placed than Dr. David Craig to lead an elite team of Hunters in their quest to apprehend all 18 Fugitives before the 21 days are up.

Ben Owen – Deputy, Intelligence
Former British Intelligence Officer, Ben Owen is an internationally recognised expert in surveillance and covert operations. Joining Hunted as Deputy, Intelligence, during his career Ben has gathered intelligence for some of the most high-profile manhunts in recent British history across a 10-year intelligence career. Before this, Ben served in the British military as a sniper, and was deployed across the globe, including the Gulf War II aged 19. Moving into the private sphere, Ben’s covert intelligence work has proven integral in keeping many lives safe. A part of the Hunted UK team since the program’s inception in 2015, Ben brings an unrivalled understanding of what drives the Fugitives and effective tactics to track them down, having served as both Deputy Chief and then Chief of the award-winning UK series, stepping down as Chief after its fifth series. Ben was also UK Chief for Hunted’s third Celebrity series and was a Senior Analyst on the American adaptation of the show in 2017. Ben now works in cyber security and digital intelligence, advising organisations around the globe on cyber safety and necessary protections in an increasingly volatile digital world. With many years’ experience in high-pressure environments, Ben remains calm under fire and promises to bring his laser focus to the Hunted investigation.

Reece Dewar OAM – Deputy, Operations
As Hunted’s Deputy, Operations, Reece Dewar OAM brings to the investigation a wealth of varied experience drawn from a highly-decorated 30-year career. During 23 years spent with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in training and operational deployment, Reece served in the Special Operations Command for 12 of these years, and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the Special Operations Community. Highly experienced in counter-terrorism and offshore recovery operations, following his retirement from the military, Reece served as an advisor to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government in Special Operations, based in UAE for seven years. He has been responsible for the development of National Level Defence and Law Enforcement Capabilities within Australia and the Middle East, and has significant experience in national security, operational management and training. Upon returning to Australia in 2018, Reece became Venue Security Operations Coordinator for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Corporation and has since established elite training firms providing niche capability training to law enforcement, military, security and executive firms. Reece’s significant tactical and operational skills will rightly be feared by the Fugitives as he expertly leads and deploys the various Ground Hunter teams, not stopping before each Fugitive is apprehended.

Jason Edelstein – Lead Cyber
Jason Edelstein brings over 20 years of commercial information security experience to the Hunted HQ team, where he takes up the role of Lead Cyber. Jason has worked in customer facing cyber security consulting and internal risk management roles both locally and abroad for a range of leading global firms. He joins Hunted from leading cyber security firm CyberCX, where, as Executive Director Security Testing and Assurance, he leads a 140-strong team of ethical hackers. The largest team of its type in the Asia Pacific region, services are rendered to private and public sector clients in assessing and managing cyber risk, responding to incidents and providing security training. Jason has a strong technical pedigree as a practitioner to deliver penetration testing, red teaming, application security, security assessments, compliance and risk-oriented outcomes. Uniquely positioned to bring his niche cyber industry intelligence to Hunted HQ, Jason and his talented team of open-source analysts, ethical hackers and digital forensic specialists will be essential as the hunt for the Fugitives’ steers into the digital landscape.

Dr Karla Lopez – Forensic Psychologist
Primed to reach inside the Fugitives’ minds to drill down into their motivations, strengths and weaknesses, Doctor of Forensic Psychology Karla Lopez, joins the Hunted HQ team. With her forensic mindset and methodology, Karla will help the team to anticipate the Fugitives’ next moves in the race to track them down. With more than 20 years’ experience, Karla has held senior psychologist roles within correctional, community health, prison and policing settings, including work for the Department of Justice and Victoria Police. With a particular interest in risk assessment and offender management, across her career Karla has specialised in the provision of workplace training in relation to evidence-based practice. She is passionate about mentoring fellow psychologists. Karla will bring a unique perspective to the intelligence gathered at Hunted HQ, set to share insights which will take the investigation in brand new directions.

Graeme Simpfendorfer – Lead Investigator
Having worked on the front line of policing for 27 years, recently retired Victoria Police Detective Sergeant Graeme Simpfendorfer brings his nuanced skillset to Hunted HQ, with experience garnered across policing in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional North- East Victoria. Used to dealing with highly stressful and dynamic situations across his career, Graeme’s work has spanned day-to-day policing, all the way through to the investigation, arrest and successful prosecution of armed robbery and homicide suspects. Calm and analytical by nature, Graeme has worked in the Homicide Squad, Drug Units, on Armed crime taskforces and with Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Units across a highly-decorated and dedicated career. Serving as Deputy Mayor for the City of Wodonga in regional Victoria, Graeme also runs an investigative consultancy. On Hunted, expect Graeme to lead his team of intel analysts and officers to an exacting standard to ensure that no stone is left unturned in pursuit of the Fugitives.

Kerri Collins – Lead Intel Analyst
Kerri Collins brings over 24 years’ experience as a senior intelligence professional in both law enforcement and private sectors, joining the team as Lead Intel Analyst on Hunted. Experienced in working collaboratively with state and Commonwealth agencies, and having undertaken two significant international deployments, Kerri spent 13 years with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and was also an inaugural civilian criminal analyst for the Queensland Police Service in 1997. To further complement her skills, Kerri was a specialist in the software space on tools to streamline formal investigative practices. Kerri’s exemplary analytical skills will bring an expert lens to the crucial function of intelligence gathering at Hunted HQ, following all leads to closely track and capture the Fugitives.

Vikki Grouios – Ethical Hacker
Vikki Grouios brings her sharply-honed ethical hacking skillset to Hunted Cyber team, drawn from years of work and study in the rapidly-evolving field of cyber security. After earning a Bachelor of Information Communication Technology Network Design and Security, Vikki has since attained a number of ethical hacking industry-based certifications from Offensive Security, CREST, CISCO and SANS, and has more than eight years’ experience working in the cyber security industry. Following a five-year stint as a Cyber Security Consultant for a global professional services firm, Vikki is now a Senior Penetration Tester. Her work includes testing and uncovering issues and risks for clients across applications, clouds, networks, systems and devices with comprehensive advice provided to help organisations to stay ahead of any threats in the cyber space. On Hunted, Vikki’s skills will be integral in making sense of the Fugitives’ digital footprints, piecing together a picture with information that she hopes will lead to a capture.

Carter Smith – Open-Source Intel
Carter Smith has a keen passion for Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) across both social and technical domains. With a Bachelor of IT Networks and Cyber Security, Carter has experience in penetration testing across web applications, external and internal network, plus human and physical domains. Part of the Hunted Cyber team, Carter has a passion for learning and discovering the psychological aspects of human interaction with technology, specifically in a cyber security context. Having built upon the ethical hacking skills developed early in his career, Carter now specialises in Open-Source Intelligence and is eager to put his considerable skill to use in helping the team to hunt down the Fugitives using all means necessary.

Steph Jensen – Open-Source Intel
Ethical hacker, researcher, and cyber security consultant Steph Jensen brings her significant experience as a ‘white hat’ hacker to the crack Cyber team assembled at Hunted HQ. With Degrees in Computer Software Engineering and Information Technology – Network Security, Steph’s previous experience as a digital forensics specialist for government and in threat intelligence for professional management services, has led to her current role as a Senior Security Consultant, Testing and Assurance. Experienced in penetration testing to uncover system flaws and vulnerabilities to assist in fighting sophisticated cyber criminals, Steph educates companies and individuals on how best to protect themselves. Curious by nature, Steph is the perfect asset to the Hunted team as she prepares to delve deep into the Fugitives’ online worlds to unearth key evidence.

Jay Banerji – Digital Forensics
Part of the Cyber team as Digital Forensics specialist, Jay Banerji’s work includes forensic acquisition and analysis of computer systems and electronic media, combing through data and evidence in pursuit of clues. Having earned Degrees in Computer Science and Information Technology (majoring in Cyber Security), Jay has elite skills in enterprise network security monitoring, threat hunting, and cyber incident response. Having worked on various high-profile cyber-attack responses across his career, and with threats to cyber security ever-evolving, Jay knows that the cyber incident responders and network defenders need to be quick and adaptable to stay one step ahead. On Hunted, Jay looks forward to ensuring that no matter how well they think they have covered their digital trail, there will be nowhere for the Fugitives to hide.

Tamara Ruggeiro – Intel Officer
A recent Bachelor of Criminology graduate, Tamara Ruggeiro embarks upon one of her first professional positions in her role as an Intel Officer within Hunted HQ. Supporting the more senior members of the Hunted HQ intelligence team, Tamara will bring to the fore her knowledge in criminal profiling, victimology and forensic science, while utilising critical thought and problem-solving. Tamara will rely on her resolve in the high-pressure environment to seek and analyse data which will continue to drive the investigation forward at pace.

Jason Spivey – Ground Hunter, Team Alpha
Jason Spivey is an accomplished covert surveillance specialist who served for 10 years as a member of the Victorian and Queensland Police Forces, including three years as a tactical operations sniper, Entry Team Member and Water Operations Specialist within the Queensland Police Special Emergency Response Team (SERT). After leaving the Police force, Jason performed high-risk security roles in Iraq before establishing a private investigation firm. The business expanded to add close protection operations and high-risk security and surveillance operations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan. With a Masters’ Degree in Terrorism and Security Studies among his qualifications, Jason now runs an elite operational training institute. Partnered on Hunted with fellow Team Alpha Ground Hunter Michelle Corlett, Jason will put his 20 years’ experience to swift use in ensuring the Fugitives are tracked down.

Michelle Corlett – Ground Hunter, Team Alpha
Former Queensland Police Officer Michelle Corlett is a skilled former law-enforcement professional who served in the Mounted Police Unit, Intelligence Branch, was an Investigator within the Weapons Licensing Branch and a Police Firearms and Operational Skills & Tactics Trainer. She also undertook training as an Army Reservist. After leaving the police, Michelle has continued to work as an Investigator across various government agencies and also ran her own business as a fitness trainer. With Diplomas in Public Safety (Policing) and Government Investigations, Michelle’s strengths lie in intelligence gathering and investigations, and her expert communication skills see her tactically tailor her approach to achieve optimal results and best mitigate risk. Partnered on Team Alpha alongside fellow former police officer Jason Spivey, it’s clear that this pair mean business, and will stop at nothing to see the Fugitives apprehended.

Luke Andrews – Ground Hunter, Team Bravo
A 17-year Australian Military veteran, Luke Andrews spent 10 years as a Special Forces soldier within the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), including multiple deployments to Afghanistan. Steering niche capability teams to achieve desired outcomes, Luke has leadership and teamwork skills that make him a perfect Ground Hunter on Hunted. With razor-sharp skills including counter-terrorism, escape and evasion, visual tracking and a comprehensive understanding of mission planning, Luke will always try to think one step ahead of the Fugitives. Since leaving the Army, Luke has studied an MBA and now works for a veteran non-for-profit, and runs a coaching and mentoring consultancy part time. With a focussed approach to surveillance and reconnaissance, Luke is primed to join partner Marco O’Hehir on Hunted to ensure no effort is spared on the trail of the Fugitives.

Marco O’Hehir – Ground Hunter, Team Bravo
A serving Australian Defence Force member for 15 years, former Australian SAS Operator Marco O’Hehir was deployed on operations as a combat assault dog handler and sniper. Having completed tours of duty to East Timor, Southern Iraq and multiple tours to Afghanistan, Marco’s unit was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for service in Afghanistan. Marco went on to become Victoria Police Special Operations Group Tactical Working Dog Handler, and with a Diploma of Public Safety (Policing) to his name, today Marco runs a bespoke K9 training and consulting company. His own highly-trained working dog, Choppa, is also on standby to join Team Bravo to pick up the Fugitives’ scent on Hunted. Teamed with fellow veteran Luke Andrews on Team Bravo, Marco, looks forward to using his finely-tuned investigative, surveillance and covert operations skills as he adapts to the high-stakes scenario that is Hunted.

Clancy Roberts – Ground Hunter, Team Charlie
With 12 years’ military experience, former sniper team leader and Special Forces Operator Clancy Roberts has strong leadership and teamwork skills earnt across various combat operations. A recipient of the Infantry Combat Badge and Commendation for Brave Conduct during his military career, upon retirement from the army, Clancy has specialised in high level security, including working for the Sydney Opera House. He also provides high level security consultation to corporate entities. With exemplary skills in reconnaissance and surveillance, scout and visual tracking, partnered with Howie Dawson on Team Charlie on Hunted, Clancy is setting his sights squarely on tracking all the Fugitives down.

Howie Dawson – Ground Hunter, Team Charlie
An 11-year veteran of the Australian Special Forces, Howard ‘Howie’ Dawson was deployed on numerous high-risk operations across his career, including Afghanistan. With five years’ spent in the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), Howie also served extensively in the Tactical Assault Group (West) domestic counter-terrorism teams. Since retiring from the Army, Howie has worked in the private security sector on a range of government, commercial and private contracts in Australia and abroad, for both land-based and maritime security operations. He now runs a skills training consultancy. Teamed with fellow veteran Clancy Roberts on Team Charlie for Hunted, the pair promise to bring together their knowledge and military might to successfully hunt down the Fugitives.

Kellie Andrews – Ground Hunter, Team Delta
Former Victorian Police Officer Kellie Andrews spent seven years in the force, working in the uniform branch across multiple stations. During her policing tenure Kellie completed a considerable stint within the Specials Unit, a hand-picked group of members trained in covert and investigation skills across specially tasked operations, including drug labs and motor vehicle theft. With additional experience in plain clothes response teams, Kellie worked in both regional and metropolitan Victoria, giving her a solid understanding of the territory where the Fugitives may hide. Partnering on Hunted with fellow ex-Police colleague Rhonda Murray to form Team Delta, Kellie is ready to put her considerable skill to use to ensure that no Fugitive makes it to the finish line.

Rhonda Murray – Ground Hunter, Team Delta
Former Victoria Police Detective Rhonda Murray joins the Hunted ranks following an esteemed law enforcement career, including extensive work within the Sexual Offences unit. Rhonda moved from Victoria Police to the Federal Public Service where she established and led numerous investigation sections and recently joined forces with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Taskforce to tackle organised crime into Government programs. Holding an Executive Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Rhonda is skilled in investigations, intelligence gathering and covert operations, as well as risk analysis and mitigation. No stranger to apprehending Fugitives on the run, on Hunted Rhonda is teamed with fellow former Victorian Police Officer Kellie Andrews, the two set to combine their skills to outwit the Fugitives and stop them in their tracks.

Jeremy Hargreaves – Ground Hunter, Team Echo
Former Australian Special Forces officer Jeremy Hargreaves brings 25 years’ experience to his Ground Hunter role on Hunted. During his career, Jeremy has commanded special operations missions in the South Pacific, South East Asia, Iraq and Afghanistan – as well as leading an international team of special operations instructors in the development of a key Middle Eastern Allies Special Operations and Counter Terrorism capability to combat Al Qaeda and Islamic State militants. Bringing to Hunted his outstanding leadership and communications skills, Jeremy is paired with Team Echo partner, former Victoria Police Senior Detective Kim Culpin, both highly committed to getting the job done.

Kim Culpin – Ground Hunter, Team Echo
Former Victorian Police Senior Detective Kim Culpin joins the Hunted team following a distinguished career of more than 12 years with Victoria Police. Kim was a Senior Detective and an undercover operative with the Victoria Police Drug Squad. She was also a member of the Directing staff on the Victoria Police Undercover course. Skilled in negotiation techniques, surveillance, communications and investigation, Kim went on to diversify her career, spending 20 years as a passionate and dedicated leader in the Community Services sector and receiving an Australia Day award for Community Leadership. Partnering with military veteran Jeremy Hargreaves to form Team Echo, Kim stands ready to call on her combined skills to apply necessary pressure in pursuit of the Fugitives.

7:30pm Sunday – Tuesday on 10.