Age: 29

Occupation: Magician & Mentalist

State: SA

Describing himself as a “professional liar”, Matt is a magician and mentalist who can read body language and use clever wording to influence people’s decisions, which he hopes will help him navigate the game of Australian Survivor.

From Adelaide, Matt spent eight years working in the banking industry before deciding on a life change and pursuing his passion for magic. He started performing three years ago and is now booking out shows around the country and performing at events like the Adelaide Fringe Festival.

A Survivor super fan, Matt says he won’t reveal what he does for a living to many people so he can use his mind-reading skills without people fearing him.

He says: “I have a unique set of mental and personal skills which I think will be of interest to the game and viewers. I also think I am a little bit different to the conventional Survivor characters around my age and have different physical attributes that I think may make me into a little bit of an underdog.”

While he is hoping his social game will make him trustworthy to his fellow tribe mates, Matt says it was not always so easy to make friends. “School was pretty tough for me with bullying and a lack of friends. I hope to make my family, friends and girlfriend proud of me by taking part in Australian Survivor.”

A huge Port Adelaide fan, Matt has been preparing by running and swimming. But he says: “I could never become the strongest competitor but I believe I am fit, strong and determined. Mentally, I am fortunate that I regularly study, read and research into subjects related to Survivor that will play to my strengths of deception, strategy, and body language. Plus I’ve been keeping my mind active with puzzles and games.”