Survivor 50 Cast Update: Dee Valladares Confirms Return and Calls Out Challenge Rivals

Dee Valladares is officially returning to compete on “Survivor 50.” The “Survivor 45” winner confirmed her participation for the milestone season. She will join 23 other returning players in February.

Valladares recently finished a run on MTV’s “The Challenge.” Her experience there has reshaped her strategy for the upcoming “Survivor” battle.

From the Challenge House to the Survivor Beach

Valladares compared the two reality titans in a recent interview with Parade. She described “The Challenge” as a much more intense social experiment. The environment is far more confrontational, she explained.

“The Challenge” films for about three months. “Survivor” now wraps in just 26 days. This creates a different pace and pressure for the competitors.

Living with 30 people in one house on “The Challenge” is chaotic. On “Survivor,” tribes start much smaller. This makes managing personalities slightly easier, according to Valladares.

She plans to bring a new, more outspoken attitude to “Survivor 50.” Her time on MTV taught her to speak her mind without fear.

Which Challenge Stars Does Dee Want on Survivor?

Valladares was asked which MTV competitors could handle the “Survivor” wilderness. She named two specific stars from “The Challenge.” Her picks include a rookie and a legendary veteran.

For the rookie, she selected Yeremi Hykel. She praised his physical strength and his likable personality. She believes these traits could carry him far in the game.

For the veteran, she called out Johnny Bananas. She expressed curiosity about how the seven-time champion would fare. However, she joked he might be the first person voted out.

Bananas has a history of early exits on other non-MTV shows. He was the first eliminated on “The Traitors” Season 2. This history supports Valladares’ playful prediction.

The return of Dee Valladares significantly raises the stakes for Survivor 50. Fans can expect a more confident and strategic player when the season premieres.

Info at your fingertips

When does Survivor 50 start?

Survivor 50 is scheduled to premiere in February. CBS has not yet announced a specific date. The season will feature 24 returning players.

Who won Survivor 45?

Dee Valladares was crowned the winner of Survivor 45. She outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted her competitors in the 2023 season. Her victory was a decisive one.

How many Challenge wins does Johnny Bananas have?

Johnny Bananas has won “The Challenge” a record seven times. He is the most decorated champion in the show’s long history. His first win was on “The Ruins” in 2009.

What is the main difference between Survivor and The Challenge?

The biggest differences are filming length and social dynamics. Survivor is shorter and involves tribe-based survival. The Challenge is longer and features a large, confrontational house dynamic.

Was Dee Valladares on The Challenge?

Yes, Dee Valladares competed on “The Challenge: Vets & New Threats.” She was eliminated during the season that aired in late 2024. This was her first appearance on the MTV series.