Paula Drew, the sharp-eyed emergency and critical care vet nurse from Perth, Western Australia, makes her Australian Survivor debut in Redemption (Season 12), premiering February 23, 2026, on Network 10.

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At 33 (born March 10, 1992), Paula brings a unique mix of medical know-how, people-reading expertise, and unyielding determination to the Samoan jungle under new host David Genat.

As a newcomer in a cast featuring returning legends like Brooke Jowett, Simon Mee, Harry Hills, and Mark Warnock, she’s on the Purple Tribe, ready to turn past regrets into a winning run for the $500,000 prize.

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Raised in country Victoria before moving to regional Queensland and settling in Perth at age 11 with her mum, Paula learned early that success demands hard work: “In order to get what you want… you need to work your ass off.”

Before veterinary nursing, she spent a decade as an acclaimed Australasian Croupier Champion, dealing poker in high-stakes VIP rooms to politicians, royalty, and celebrities. “I’ve dealt to members of Parliament, I’ve dealt to Royalty… I can read people very well,” she says.

Trained in international customs, body language, and voice tones, these skills make her a natural at spotting lies and building trust—perfect for Survivor’s social game.

Her medical background adds another layer: handling animals under pressure translates to the high-stress island environment, where quick thinking and care could win allies or handle crises.

Paula nearly made the show seven years ago but had to withdraw due to surgery—a decision she’s replayed endlessly. “I’m here now, I’m healthy as an ox and I’m ready to go,” she declares, framing this as personal redemption.

In Australian Survivor: Redemption (2026), Paula kept her participation secret by convincing friends and family she was vacationing in Europe. Her cheeky Instagram reveal post-premiere: “Live, Laugh, 45 days without a bath.

BRB lathering SPF… Spoiler alert fam… I never went to Europe.” Early bios highlight her calm under pressure and strategic edge—she’s not just caring; she’s calculated, ready to read the room and pull strings.

Off the island, Paula stays connected via Instagram (@paula_drew), where she shared the big reveal and teases her Survivor journey with humor and heart. Fans are drawn to her no-nonsense vibe, veterinary compassion, and poker-honed reads—qualities that could make her a stealthy alliance builder or a threat spotter.

Paula Drew’s story of near-miss regret turned fierce comeback fits the redemption theme perfectly: from surgery setback to healthy, hungry competitor. Whether her people-reading superpower and grit lead to Sole Survivor glory is unfolding in Samoa. Tune in to Network 10 or 10 Play, follow @paula_drew for updates, and join Survivor communities for episode insights.