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The Challenge Australia 2022: meet the cast

These are the faces from Reality TV, Sport and Entertainment competing in 10's latest primetime competition, hosted by Brihony Dawson.

A spin-off from The Real World and Road Rules, The Challenge features 22 names from entertainment, sports and reality.

Filmed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the 10 series involves physical contests, strategies, eliminations, alliances,and hookups, in a quest for a $200,000 cash prize.

Brihony Dawson, Host.

Host of 10’s, The Challenge Australia, Brihony is a rare entertainment force and has proven themselves a sought-after MC and presenter in corporate, sporting, and social spheres. With some 007 style, Brihony is clever, bold and quick to add a dash of comedy to shake or stir any conversation.

Their diverse range of creative instincts and performance talent make them a titillating choice for television. From your Tiger Kings to your Carole Kings, and even your Billie Jean Kings, they possess an innate ability to extract a story from a mixed bag of people.

Brihony has wowed crowds on the biggest stages including the Australian Grand Prix, AFLW Grand Final, Fox Sport’s W-Awards, Nine Network’s Women’s Footy Show and more. Their X-factor and unique ability to bring an audience to life makes Brihony the perfect choice for your next entertainer, MC and host.

Audrey Kano

Model Audrey Kano burst onto Australian screens in 2021 when she entered the Love Island Australia villa and was part of the first ever Casa Amor. Audrey signed up for The Challenge Australia to prove to herself that she’s destined for greatness, and to anyone who underestimates her, that they’re dead wrong.

Had you ever watched the international series before?
Not until I was asked to be a part of the cast. I watched some episodes, and my adrenaline was already rushing. It looks like so much fun!

Billy Dib

Born to migrant family, Billy has overcome bullying, racism, loss and grief, to become a twotime World Champion boxer. Since discovering boxing at the age of 12, the now 36-year-old, is ranked as Australia’s number one Lightweight with an impressive 48 victories from 55 bouts. When he’s not in the ring, he’s enjoying life with his wife and beautiful baby boy.

How have you prepared for The Challenge Australia?
I have continued to work with my boxing trainer, running coach, and strength and conditioning trainer.

Brittany Hockley

Brittany Hockley is an actress, presenter, podcaster, radio host and author, ready to push herself to the limit. Together with her colleague and friend, Laura Byrne, they have established and run one of the most successful podcasts in Australia, Life Uncut, which has in turn become a national radio show and stage show.

Why did you want to be a part of The Challenge?
I thought the idea of adventuring on the other side of the world and being outside my comfort zone, sounded like fun. I love squeezing everything out of life and think there is a lot to be said for taking risks.

Brooke Blurton

Trailblazer Brooke Blurton was the world’s first bisexual Bachelorette, and Australia’s first woman of colour to hand out the roses. A proud Noongar-Yamatji woman born in WA, Brooke has worked as a youth and social worker, and most recently launched a podcast and published her memoir. Big Love.

What will be your biggest strength in the competition?
My strategy into anything I do, whether work, personal or for fun, is to be myself. You can do not wrong if you’re just yourself. Though I must admit, I don’t think people have seen a very competitive side to me just yet, and won’t know how much I thrive in competition.

Brooke Jowett

Brooke Jowett is a qualified fitness professional and popular media personality, best known for her physical efforts on Australian Survivor: All Stars. Brooke has grown a strong social engagement over the past few years, launched her own activewear range JRSY and become a Master HIIT Trainer.

What are your strengths and weaknesses in the game?
My biggest strengths are that I can build genuine relationships extremely quickly, and when I meet people I can instantly make them feel like they can trust me. My weakness is that I am a physical threat, which will put a target on my back.

Ciarrin Stott

Known for his stints on The Bachelorette Australia, Bachelor In Paradise and The Bachelorette Sweden, is 29-year-old resident ‘bad boy’ Ciarran. The cheeky Manchester-born chap is looking forward to taking home the win, to set his family up for life.

What’s your secret weapon?
My secret weapon in this game in the discipline I have for myself. If a challenge requires running or climbing, I’m just going to go 100% for it and give it my all.

Conor Curran

MasterChef Australia’s Conor Curran may be best known for his ice cream, cocktails and rocking the single earring, but his love of traditional Greek recipes and creating an inclusive and queer environment for all, is at the heart of his mission. Admitting he was hesitant at first, the content creator and recipe developer joins The Challenge Australia as a proud, queer competitor.

Apart from family, what will you miss most while you’re filming?
I am going to miss my work. I love what I do, and that I get to cook everyday. I’m also going to miss my community. I’ve made a safety bubble for myself within the queer community and losing that is a scary prospect.

Cyrell Paule

Married At First Sight Australia fans know her as the wild ‘Cyclone Cyrell’ Paule. But in reality, the former healthcare assistant is now all settled down with a baby. Joining The Challenge Australia the fiery Sydneysider says that her greatest achievement in life is becoming a mother, and she’s ready to surprise herself, and others.

How have you prepared for The Challenge Australia?
I’ve trained a fair bit. But let’s be honest… did I train like a pro athlete? No. I feel like you can try really hard, but you never really know what to expect. I’ve probably trained myself more mentally. For example, I’ve told myself that if anyone annoys me, have a glass of wine, drink it… And don’t throw it!

David Subritzsky

Audacious, fun-loving icon David Subritzky won the hearts of Aussies from the second he stepped into the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! under the guise of being a celebrity shoe designer with 3.9 million followers. David is embarking on The Challenge Australia with his trademark confidence and infectious personality.

Had you ever watched the international series before?
I did my research when I found out I was going on! And I remember seeing some really wild challenges… which got me thinking, “what have I just signed up for?!”

Emily Seebohm

Emily Seebohm has competed in four Olympics and taken home an incredible 56 medals on the world stage, making her one of Australia’s most celebrated swimmers. Viewers saw another side to Emily when she joined the cast of I’m A Celebrity.. Get Me Out Of Here! who fell in love with her realness, compassion and humour.

Why did you want to be a part of The Challenge Australia?
I have been the biggest fan of The Challenge for a few years and ever since watching it, I have wanted to be a part of it! I love anything that makes me push myself and to see what I can do so this was right up my alley.

Grant Crapp

Electrician and business owner Grant Crapp returns to the small screen, this time in one of the world’s most successful television franchises, The Challenge Australia. Grant was crowned winner of the first season of Love Island Australia. Grant’s motivation for joining the show is to prove to himself that he can do it, and to set up his family financially.

What will you do with the prize money?
With the prize money, I’d like to build my forever home for my family and I. We’re currently a family of three, soon to be four!

Jack Vidgen

Jack Vidgen’s career took off when he won Australia’s Got Talent in 2011 at a young age. Since then, he’s had chart topping songs; lived in America chasing his dream; returned to TV to appear on The Voice Australia, Eurovision Australia Decides, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and most recently The Masked Singer; and is now also the co-host on his successful iHeart Radio podcast, Hey Doll.

Apart from family, what will you miss most while you’re filming?
I know this sounds crazy but just my small home comforts. My mattress and Yummi sheets – there is nothing like your own bed!

Jessica Brody

We first met Jessica on Matt Agnew’s season of The Bachelor Australia, before she formed a connection with resident “bad boy” Ciarran Stott on season three of Bachelor in Paradise Australia. But there’s a lot more than meets the eye, when it comes to Jessica. The tattooed beauty works as makeup artist, a professional tattoo artist and owns her own beauty business Brody Beauty. As a fan of the US version of the franchise, she’s dedicated a lot of her preparation to strength training.

What will be your biggest strength in the competition?
My biggest strength will probably be my mental fortitude and ability to keep calm under pressure.

John “Johnny” Eastoe

A strong and likeable player, Johnny has appeared on Australian Survivor: Champions V Contenders and Australian Survivor: All Stars. A gold miner from Western Australia, Johnny is tough and determined, but also a bloke who just wants to have a good time. Hoping these characteristics will help him in The Challenge.

What qualities in other people do you not like?
I don’t take myself too seriously, so when I’m surrounded by people who consider themselves to be a bit of a diva, or like the limelight too much, or frolic around in the sun all day and take themselves too seriously, that gets up my nose.

Kiki Morris

Kiki first burst on our screens in Richie Strahan’s season of The Bachelor Australia, and then on the fourth season of Bachelor In Paradise where she was wooed by Ciarran Stott to quit the show and make a go of their romance on the outside. Sadly for them, it didn’t work out. Signing up for The Challenge Australia, the model, influencer and make up artist, is looking to prove how mentally and physically strong she truly is.

Had you ever watched the international series before?
I did a mad dash to catch up on 38 seasons to see what I was truly in for, and let me tell you I was shocked!

Konrad Bien-Stephen

Melbourne born and bred; Konrad burst onto TV screens on the 2021 season of The Bachelorette Australia. However, has made his mark off-screen embodying Gen Z’s ideal man – complete with nail polish, artistic flair and his skills on the tools. Konrad describes himself and loyal and honest and a big softie at heart, but still ready to fight hard against the other contestants for that cash prize.

Is there anyone in the cast that you think you’ll pair well with?
I’m a bit nervous really, because you think you may pair really well with someone and then it ends up not being the case. Or, you assume you might not click with another and it ends up being a great match.

Marley Biyendolo

Born and raised in Melbourne, Marley was crowned winner of Big Brother Australia in 2021, beating out 20 other contestants. The former professional basketball player, owns his own business Marley & Me Supports, operating as a Disability Support Worker and Psychosocial Recovery Coach within his community. Marley comes to The Challenge Australia to take on a new “challenge” all together and try and win another TV show.

What will be your biggest strength in the competition?
My biggest strength will not only be my competitive edge and want to win, but also my social game (DUH)!

Megan Marx

Having appeared on season four of The Bachelor Australia and the inaugural season of Bachelor In Paradise, Megan is big on adventure and ready to tackle The Challenge Australia. Having watched quite a few seasons of the US franchise, Megan thinks that would make her better prepared, but knows that you can never get too comfortable.

What will be your biggest strength in the competition?
I’m a bit of a thrill-seeker and not scared of much (aside from commitment haha), and I feel like I’m good at connecting with others on a deeper level (social game).

Ryan Gallagher

Ryan Gallagher first made waves on the 2018 season of Married at First Sight, catapulting the ultimate Aussie larrikin into the hearts and homes of Australians nationwide. Since then, the ‘comedian in training’ has toured the comedy circuits and romanced Charlotte Crosby on I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! He’s looking forward to getting out of his comfort zone and the feeling of accomplishment as he pushes himself to the max.

What’s the strangest thing you packed in your suitcase?
I packed my dog’s name badge off his collar. That way he’s with me everywhere I go. I feel safe that he’s with me.

Sugar ‘Neekz’ Johnson

Sugar ‘Neekz’ Johnson started boxing in 2008 and pro-career in 2016. Since then, she has had 14-1 wins and held the WBA Oceania Bantamweight Champion and WIBA Bantamweight World Champion. Most recently, Sugar retained her IBF Super Bantamweight world champion title. The Challenge Australia is like going into fight camp for Sugar, who knows she’ll need to train and focus on bringing her best performance, to win.

What will be your biggest weakness in the competition?
My biggest weakness is anything spelling or trivia. I don’t think I’m the smartest cookie in the room.

Suzan Metusi

From her humble beginnings in her home country of Uganda, Suzan Mutesi has made a name for herself as an actress, author, content creator and fashion designer. On joining The Challenge Australia, Susan is looking forward to showcasing her endurance and authenticity.

How have you prepared for The Challenge Australia?
I’ve been training daily, watching the US version and doing puzzles with my nieces.

Troy Cullen

Carpenter by trade, Mornington Peninsula local Troy Cullen has participated on three seasons of Australian Ninja Warrior (3, 4 and 5). As a grand finalist on two of the seasons, Troy is looking to finally claim the crown as winner of The Challenge Australia.

Has Ninja Warrior prepared you for The Challenge?
Doing Ninja Warrior has prepared me for The Challenge a lot, as I believe there will be similar obstacles. I think that’s what’s so great about The Challenge – I think there are going to be a lot of different obstacles for me to try and overcome.

7:30pm Mondays & Tuesdays on 10.

19 Responses

  1. Network Ten, the channel which brought you classics such as Number 96, The Restless Years, Prisoner, Neighbours, and more recently…… er The Challenge Australia.

    That’s what happens when creatives are sidelined in favour of accountants.

  2. This show is like Bachelor and Bachelorette V The Rest what a poor choice in participants.As soon as i saw who was involved i switched off.Anyone can be called a celebrity now.Channel 10 starting to have a bad run with these shows maybe we can hope for a normal family drama perhaps next time.Something that is becoming very rare on FTA

    1. We’ll said!
      I thought it might’ve had an entertainment element attached and something new and couldn’t believe (actually, yes, I could.) that it was just another rehashed show same as last week, same as week before, same as last month, last year and well, you get the picture………

    2. Think back to the mid-noughties and reality TV had to cast Big Brother and perhaps a couple more shows a year. Now there is pretty much a reality franchise on each of the commercial networks 10 months of the year – and with larger casts too. It’s no wonder casting struggles to be distinctive nowadays.

  3. What! Ten is now try to find who’s the best reality star amongst this bunch. When did TV get sooooo bad. Agree with Koby 100% time to listen to the viewers, big bucks wasted because not everyone fits in the same cake tin. Get the hint network please 🙏🏼 As Phillip Adams once said “it’s a strange industry, masterpieces rotting in draws somewhere, mediocre winning awards, Say la vie”.

      1. I think it’s time to bring back a TV show/s where “critics” can actually appear, voice their opinions and rate these shows, then just maybe the networks will actually listen. People are mostly influenced by what they see. Margret Pomaranz and Graham Blundall had one on Foxtel which was good, but only seen Margret briefly on Charlie Pickering and she can be brutal. David Stratton was another, even Barry Jones (ex politician) was entertaining and pretty spot on. Bring on Armchair Critic and see what gives.

  4. I think I had heard of two of the celebrities named – but that may say more about me than them.

    From the trailers this looks like a desperately empty clone of things we have seen before. If this was a school report then the Year TEN student would be getting a “must try harder” comment and parents summonsed for an interview.

    1. I think they’ve excavated below the bottom of the barrel and are rapidly making their way into the Earth’s crust.

      To think that some producer/executive thought, “Hey, remember last year’s Bachelorette that no-one watched and single-handedly killed the show? What’s she up to these days?”

    1. Not surprised The Challenge did badly last night! It was nothing like the promos suggested! Expected stunning dangerous challenges, but all we got was a few minutes of teams running up and down stairs. Most of the show was a group of drunk obnoxious people carrying on as if it was love island or bachelor in paradise! Two of them getting in shower together and another dancing around in skimpy clothes on a tabletop is not what viewers want to see at prime time!!!
      Expect many viewers will not bother with this show tonight!

  5. Please television networks enough with reality. Please read the room and use your imagination and create new comedy, drama and entertainment shows. Look at what streaming networks are offering us now and copy them if you must.

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