Doug Swinbanks

Doug Swinbanks is a contestant from Survivor U.K. (2023).

Doug initially impressed La Nena with his survival skills and challenge strength. He had a strategic mind for the game from the outset, evident as soon as he turned on his ally Sabrina Pace-Humphreys at La Nena's first Tribal Council. After volunteering to switch to Caletón with Pegleg Bennett at the tribe switch, he was left in a minority of 4-2 and was initially worried about his future in the game. However, they reeled in outsiders Laurence Cardwell and Shai Ravindra to take out Jess Woburn, who had multiple connections on La Nena. They then flipped on their new alliance to blindside Shai as he was seen as a devious player and strategic threat. At the merge, Christopher Haul and Ashleigh Bishop turned on the former La Nena members to vote out Lee Reeves, leaving Doug in a minority. After all of Calena turned on the duo by voting out Ashleigh, Christopher seemed to be the clear target for the next vote. However, the former Caletón members exploited this to form a majority alliance, blindsiding Doug in a 5-3-2 vote as he was the biggest threat of the former La Nena members.

Profile[]

Retrieved from bbc.co.uk

Age: 32
From: Isle of Mull
Occupation: Flood Risk Consultant
What made you want to be a contestant on Survivor? When I was younger I vividly remember watching the original UK Survivor back in 2002. As a family we loved the show, even going as far as re-enacting some of the original challenges. When I saw that it was returning to TV in the UK I wasted no time in putting my application in. Next thing I know – I'm on a desert island building a shelter from bamboo! I came on Survivor to make my family back home on Mull proud, and have the adventure of a lifetime.
What qualities did you think you'd bring to the game? I was hopeful I could put my height (I'm 6 ft 4") to good use and help my tribe get to those hard to reach places, get the shelter up, and hopefully be a useful asset for the challenges. I also enjoy making people laugh so hopefully I made everyone's experience a little more enjoyable on the island and spread a little joy.
How did you prepare yourself mentally and physically for taking part? I try and keep fairly active back home, so as part of my preparation for the show I did a lot of sled work at the gym. I'd load the sled up with my bodyweight and push and pull it 50 times a session. That, and Pilates!
Did you have a strategy of how you were going to play the game? My strategy coming into the game comprised of 2 key elements; firstly establish myself as an indispensable member of the tribe during the early phase of the game by performing well at Challenges and working hard around the camp. Then secondly was to find myself a "Shield" player, or failing that, to create one. Someone ideally who would take a real leadership role within the tribe and more importantly, is regarded as a bigger target than myself. I'll sit right behind them as long as I can!
How competitive are you? One of my main hobbies growing up was playing rugby, so I guess I'd regard myself as a fairly competitive person! I've also got a twin sister back home on the Isle of Mull who is fiercely competitive and kept me on my toes as a youngster.
What kind of challenges were you most looking forward to? All of them! Especially the challenges that involved physical strength and were team based. There's no feeling quite like grinding out a victory against the odds with your tribe by your side.
How did you cope with living on a beach with no home comforts? Although we were without food, internet and a bed, being away from the comforts of home was incredible. Living on the bare essentials and being away from everyday distractions was an amazing experience.
How did you cope with the hunger? Back in Scotland I'd usually eat between 3000-4000 calories a day, so hunger and a real lack of food was a huge concern coming onto Survivor! To prepare I went on a strict "see-food" diet where I'd try and eat as much food as possible (my final weight before entering the game was 107 kg – the heaviest I've ever been.) Limited rations at camp was tough, especially after the gruelling challenges but we found some creative ways to keep it varied and bulk it out as much as we could.
What did you learn from being on the show or what is the biggest takeaway? Being on Survivor was an adventure of a lifetime. Full of twists, turns, highs and lows. During the low points of the game it was my tribemates who gave me the strength I needed to keep fighting. It's amazing how complete strangers who you've never met before can lift your mood even during the dark times living on a desert island. That, and I'll never eat rice and beans again!^[1]

Survivor[]

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Episode	Tribe Affiliation	Challenge	Challenge Type	Sit-Out?	Result
1	La Nena	The Marooning	Reward	No	Won
1		Dead Weight	Immunity	No	Won
2		By Any Means	Reward	No	Won
2		The Raft and the Furious	Immunity	No	Lost
3		Hot Pursuit	Immunity	No	Lost
4		Trench Run	Reward	No	Lost
4		Discy Business	Immunity	No	Won
5		Sumo at Sea	Reward	No	N/A
5		High and Mighty	Immunity	No	Won
Switched Tribes, Day 14
6	Caletón	Shoulder the Load	Immunity	No	Won
7		Chain Reaction	Reward	No	Lost
7		Cell Block Sea	Immunity	No	Lost
8		When It Rains	Immunity	No	Lost
Tribes Merged, Day 19
9	Calena	Survivor Auction
9		A Leg Up	Immunity		Won
10		Last Gasp	Immunity		Lost
11		Shut Your Trap	Reward	No	Won
11		Get a Grip	Immunity		Lost
Voted Out, Day 24

Episode	Doug's Votes	Voted Against Doug
1	La Nena Tribe Immune
2	Sabrina	-
3	Rach	-
4	La Nena Tribe Immune
5	La Nena Tribe Immune
6	Caletón Tribe Immune
7	Jess	Jess, Nathan
8	Shai	-
9	Ashleigh	Individual Immunity
10	Ashleigh	-
11	Christopher	Laurence, Leilani, Matthew, Nathan, Tinuke
Voted Out, Day 24
Voted for Sole Survivor	Matthew