Hunted 2023: meet the cast

Extreme hide and seek series, Hunted, returns to 10.

10 pairs of ordinary Australians become ‘real-life Fugitives’ with limited funds and resources, on the run across Victoria, trying to remain undetected for 21 days from expert Hunters,

If they can evade capture and reach a final Extraction Point they will win a share of $100,000 prize money.

Bayan, 43 & Eesha, 32
Subiaco, WA & Dianella, WA

Friends for 14 years, Bayan and Eesha are both confident and extremely motivated. Bayan is forthright and a self-proclaimed ‘genius’ – he is a man who is cool, calm, and always collected. His current career is as an Engineer, but he’s also been in the Army for seven years and has worked security events involving Queen Elizabeth II and Michael Jackson. It’s his former army and security mindset that gives him an insight into the Hunter’s tactics. He wants to test his ability against the best in the world. Eesha is candid, driven and is a self-employed business owner, working as a medium and spiritual and motivational coach. With strong connections in the Middle Eastern network and the ability to utilise Bayan’s intelligence knowledge from his previous army and security experience, they plan to recreate misinformation campaigns with decoys and fake clues being deployed along the way. Although Eesha is not as physically strong as Bayan, she is willing to use disguises and would consider shaving her head to keep the Hunters off her scent. Along with Eesha’s work in motivational coaching, she will make sure that they both have the mental and emotional resilience to beat the Hunters at their own game. She may look sweet and innocent, but she’s a force to be reckoned with! The desire to win is paramount and Bayan’s aim for the prize money is to start a University fund for his two year old son at home, whilst Eesha’s goal is to challenge herself in new ways, paying off her mortgage is top of the list and reinvesting in her business, accomplishing her quest for self-development.

Ben, 26 & Callum, 27
South Morang, VIC

Best friends since Primary School, Ben and Callum have never been too far apart and are now flatmates, both also living with Callum’s fiancé, Sarah (who they call the third wheel in their relationship)! Ben is an IT specialist and Callum, a Vet Nurse but when not at work, or gaming they are practically joined at the hip. Self-confessed geeks, they are well equipped to not get sick of each other as spending all day, every day together will not phase these two inseparable buddies! Using Ben’s IT knowledge, his aim is to expose data loopholes the Hunters are searching on them and with Callum’s blackbelt in Taekwondo, he will apply his mental and physical strength and skillset to the run. As Melbourne locals, they plan to utilise their vast network of family and friends, including their online ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ support crew to assist them in travelling through rural Victoria with their plans to camp and stay off the grid wherever possible. These two geeks, who spend a lot of time in the virtual world, think this is the ultimate game to play in real life. The two feel so excited about being on the run, it’s like they have pulled off a heist and have gone on the run after a robbery… without committing the crime! 

Byron, 37 & Tanase, 36
Abbotsford, VIC & Truganina, VIC

These self-proclaimed ‘city slickers’, Byron and Tanase are siblings who moved to Melbourne together 15 years ago, from South Australia. They are brother and sister and have an exceptionally close bond. Tanase is a Project Officer for the Victorian Government and as a single mum, Byron, who lives close by, is a father figure type to her eight-year-old son, Charlie. Whilst Tanase tends to be impulsive and outspoken at times, Byron is strategic, calculated and even tempered in most situations. Byron is a Policy Officer for the Victorian Government who also has founded a charity Every Minority, a platform to share stories and support a diverse mix of voice, including LGBTIQ+ community and people of colour. Whilst on the run, they will call on their support group of West African communities and Byron’s queer allies. Though not having camped before, the pair plan to embrace nature and head to the bush, with the sole aim of confusing the Hunters from the get-go. They plan to camp and farm stay. Not only will this test the siblings’ capabilities, pushing them outside their comfort zones, it will test their resilience and dedication to both doing this for Tanase’s son – to show Charlie, to always say yes to opportunities and to push yourself. As a gay man and a single mother, they want to be a positive representation of their minority communities and their culture, and both hope to make little Charlie proud!

Cath, 54 & Kel, 59
Brighton East, VIC & Mornington Peninsula VIC

Cath and Kel have known each other for 30 years and are a joy-filled best friend duo with infectious and loveable personalities. They are each other’s ying and yang, Cath is the talker, whereas Kel is more of an introvert, but they are both up for anything and everything, with a never say no attitude. Both Cath and Kel are sexuality educators, teaching high school students. Both are dedicated mothers – Cath has four teenagers whilst Kel has one teen, all five still live at home. Their strategy whilst on the run is not to run! As the oldest competitors, they know their physical limitations and will rely on their life experience and maximising their social smarts. They have a strong and affluent network around the state with access to yachts, holiday homes and cars. They plan on tackling this game run-in style; there will be no slumming it for these ladies, who both love a nice glass of Chardy at the end of a day, a habit they have no plans to retire whilst on the run! Kel will take the lead and utilise her navigational skills to guide them through the state whilst Cath will be the social force to be reckoned with, connecting with strangers, and happily asking/begging for help. Both ladies have a strong theatrical background and as theatre lovers and show ponies, they both plan to use numerous disguises to change their appearance and deploy various acting styles to get into ‘character’ along the way with the sole aim of misleading the Hunters. These two best friends, who know everything about each other, look at this opportunity as their own action movie and the ‘ultimate’ adventure together. They plan on showing Australians that age and experience counts for something, they truly believe, you’re never too old to try something new.

Ed, 29 & Jimi, 31
Waratah West, NSW & Wyoming, NSW

These two cheeky mates are currently both unemployed and at a life career crossroads, they are ready for their final hurrah ahead of Jimi starting a new job and Ed moving overseas. Former colleagues in radio turned friends, at first meeting, they didn’t get on and clashed over who was the most flamboyant! Jimi is a former radio DJ, turned Marriage Celebrant and Master of Ceremonies and Ed is a former radio branding expert. Ed being the classic ‘Libran’, is extremely manipulative but uses his skill and charm for good not evil, whereas Jimi is determined, vivacious and a great storyteller. Both are extremely loveable and personable, and they can both disarm any situation with their wit, charm and smile. They plan to use their appeal and friendliness to rely on the kindness of strangers, to ask everyday Australians for help – with everything from directions, a place to stay and decoys! Ed will take the lead when it comes to strategy – he likes to make well thought out, thorough decisions, so being on the run and having to pivot quickly may be his downfall, he might need to surrender control and let Jimi take the lead. Jimi will not hesitate to voice his opinion but he has the tendency to be a bit of a panic merchant, so finding the happy balance could be tricky. He is sometimes a man who can lead with emotion but is obsessed with the thought of winning and being there right at the end of the run. Both friends are flamboyant, funny and full of energy, having spent much of their lives trying to stand out, will they struggle to blend in!?

Glenn, 50 & Taylah, 24
Newstead, QLD & Hamilton, QLD

Glenn is a boxing coach and Taylah his student, but their relationship is much more. He is her mentor both professionally and personally. Between the two, they have a father daughter styled connection with deep
respect and admiration for each other. Taylah started boxing at age 12, winning her first Australian title as a junior at age 15. She’s a five-time Australian champion, a Bronze Medallist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and has participated at the 2019 World Championships. She won her first professional fight in 56 seconds, by a TKO (technical knockout) and is currently ranked the #1 Australian female boxer in the super fly weight division. She has a fight coming up, so both will continue to train, whilst on the run. As a former soldier, in the Australian Army, Glenn has over 17 years military experience, having been deployed in combat zones all over the world. He is Taylah’s boxing coach and a professional mentor. As an ex-soldier, Glenn has lived the Hunters’ lifestyle, which may deem him one of their biggest threats. On the run, Glenn will be heading up the strategic decision making and Taylah will use her people skills to ask strangers for help. The large age gap between them is not a negative in their eyes, it’s a positive, as they can offer perspectives from two different generations and their peak fitness will assist in their ‘never give up’ attitude. These strong competitors know what it feels like to win (and to lose) and this time around, these two ‘Terminators with heart’ are not scared to take on the Hunters, in fact they say bring it on!

Holly, 23 & Josh, 25
Footscray, VIC

Holly and Josh are the ultimate competitive loved-up couple. They have endless energy and are always challenging each other over everything, so they are looking forward to the opportunity to work together on the run. The couple liken themselves to Katniss and Peeta from The Hunger Games where Josh is the ‘brains’ and Holly the ‘heart’ of the operation! Josh is a paramedic and rifleman in the Australian Army Reserves who is well-versed in surveillance, survival techniques, escaping capture and how to be masters of camouflage – he plans to put all this training into action. As a paramedic, he is also trained to always be calm under pressure and plans to bring
this skill to the hunt. Holly is a dancer and an extrovert; she plans to put her people skills to the test. With a significant social footprint, this is a network she hopes to use to her advantage. They will look to utilise disguises on the run – Holly has special effects make up skills which she will put to the test and Josh will use his experience in camouflage from the Army to blend into their surroundings. Both adrenaline junkies, they see Hunted as an amazing challenge to do together which will most defiantly put their relationship to the test, in a positive way, bringing them closer together. If they win, they will put the prize money towards a house deposit, which will be life changing for this young couple who have struggled financially.

Megan, 46 & Gracie, 22
Castle Hill, QLD & Bohle Plains, QLD

Megan and Gracie are sunshine and happiness in human form, the pair do not stop smiling. They are aunt and niece and spend their days working together. Employed as a Beauty Therapist at her aunt’s beauty salon, Gracie also studies Nursing. At work, she’s often called Megan’s ‘mini me’ as she has the same values, drive and sense of achievement as her aunty. Megan is like a second mother to Gracie and as a business director coach, but moreover, she’s all-round power woman. Both ladies are driven, energetic, street-smart, and outgoing, with strong people skills and the mentality to always say yes and then figure it out later! Despite their age difference, they are both adrenalin junkies who will bring total energy to the hunt. Both have also been closely touched by cancer – Megan’s fiancé Dale is currently in recovery from bowel cancer and both Gracie’s parents (Megan’s sister and brother-in-law) are currently battling the disease – her Mum, breast cancer and Dad, bone and gland cancer. Inspired by their precious loved one’s brave health battles, the pair plan to dig deep and fight to make their family proud. These Townsville socialites’ tactic is to play smarter not harder, and their strong ‘people skills’ is what will set them apart. Their day jobs are to make people feel as comfortable as possible, a skill set which they know will benefit them on the run. A strong and sassy duo, these vivacious and bubbly women have far more to offer beyond their beauty and they want to win! They also want to prove to their families that they can go without fake tan and make up for 21 days!

Sonja, 41 & Elerrina, 38
Robina, QLD & Innes Park, QLD

Sonja and Elerrina met at a watermelon eating contest last year and have been best friends ever since! Complete opposites in every way, Sonja is a pocket rocket, resilient, strategic, fit and flirty verses Elerrina who is colourful, unathletic, kind and is the person you can count on to bring the fun to any situation. Sonja is a medical sales rep and will be the decision maker on the hunt, while Elerrina who works in radio is more sporadic and a ‘go with the flow’ type. They both agree that they will bring humour to the run and will look to utilise disguises, including costumes and hair colour changes. They will both miss their home creature comforts, like make-up, but plan to still find ways to look good whilst on the run! Sonja wants to test her limits and challenge herself mentally and physically – she’s always had a secret dream of being an international spy – and for Elerrina, who has relied on friends and family her whole life, wants to push herself outside of her comfort zone and become more independent. They are the first to admit that they may not be the strongest or the most strategic players, so they have a lot to prove – they consider themselves the ‘underdogs’.

Tharren, 53 & Jordan, 29
Narromine, NSW & Ringwood, VIC`

This father son team’s bond is robust. Growing up, Jordan says his dad was his hero and when talking about his son’s achievements, Tharren becomes emotional as he is extremely proud of him. Tharren is a Pastor in a Juvenile Detention Centre for Boys and was previously a builder. Jordan works as a High School Teacher and is an ex-chef – a skill he plans on using on the run. The team plan on doing one good deed a day, with the thought that what they put out there into the universe, will come back to them in the form of help. Planning on utilising their Church community and their connections within it, they will also rely on the kindness of strangers. A father of two young kids, with a third on the way, Jordan is always smiling, chatty and is upbeat all the time! Winning the money would be lifechanging for he and his wife: it would be put towards a home deposit they never thought possible. As a Pastor, Tharren plans on making use of regional Churches for support, even potentially taking refuge overnight within the safety of the Church grounds. Whilst on the run, Tharren knows he will obtain an important insight into the lives of the Juveniles he works with, being able to understand and appreciate their life experience that little bit more. Jordan turns 30 on the run and his son turns two (which he will miss) and growing up, the family had a tradition of balloons being everywhere on all family birthday’s. These days on the run will be no different as Tharren plans to make it super special for Jordan on these significant and potentially emotional days. Both are salt of the earth Australians, this father and son dynamic will pull at your heart strings!

L to R: Reece Dewar, David Craig, Ben Owen.

Dr. David Craig
Chief

Hunted Chief David Craig is an exemplary Australian law enforcement veteran of significant experience. As a former 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 Southeast Asia’s most wanted terrorist, Dr. Azhari. During his career David also provided close personal protection 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: become a Human Lie Detector, Unlocking Secrets and Defeating Terror – Behind the hunt for the Bali bombers. In July 2023, David will release his much anticipated fourth book, Lie Hunter; How To Become a Human Lie Detector in Minutes. 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 no one better placed than Dr. David Craig to lead Hunted’s elite team of Hunters in their quest to apprehend all 20 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. Returning to Hunted as Deputy, Intelligence, during his exemplary 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 version 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, as a Warrant Officer and a Commissioned Officer. He has been awarded the Chief of the Defence Force Commendation, the Chief of Army Commendation as well as the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the Special Operations Community. Highly experienced in counter terrorism, offshore recovery operations, reconnaissance and surveillance 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. Currently, Reece owns and operates a private security consultancy company, specialising in high risk environments. 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.

Team Bravo

Marco O’Hehir
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 SAS Sniper. Having completed tours of duty to East Timor, Southern Iraq and multiple tours to Afghanistan. Marco went on to become Police Tactical Working Dog Handler and today, Marco runs a bespoke K9 training and consulting company, providing his services worldwide. His own highly trained working dog, Choppa, is also on standby to make his debut as part of Team Bravo – deployed to pick up the Fugitives’ scent. Returning this season with fellow veteran Luke Andrews on Team Bravo, Marco looks forward to using his finely tuned investigative, surveillance and covert operations skills within this high-stakes game.

Luke Andrews
A 17-year Australian Military veteran, Luke Andrews spent over a decade as a Special Forces soldier within the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), including multiple deployments to the Middle East. Steering niche capability teams to achieve desired outcomes, Luke has leadership and teamwork skills that makes 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 ‘The Krait Foundation’ which connects veterans leaving the military to employment opportunities. Luke runs a coaching and mentoring consultancy part time. With a focussed approach to surveillance and reconnaissance, Luke is pumped to re-join his season one partner Marco O’Hehir to ensure no effort is spared on the trail of the Fugitives. This time they don’t plan on being outrun.

7:30pm Monday – Wednesday on 10.