Australian Survivor faces a backlash ahead of its premiere over the lack of ethnic diversity among its contestants.After Network Ten revealed over the weekend which 24 contestants out of the 15,000 applicants would be participating in the reality-competition TV series, fans quickly tweeted their outrage at the almost all-white casting.Ranging in ages from 23 to 62, the show features a private investigator, an ex-professional cricketer, a criminal lawyer, a firefighter and a magician. (See the full biographies below.)Endemol Shine Australia's casting team and Network Ten released the application details for the reality television series in   November, stating they were looking for "men and women of all ages, backgrounds and locations around Australia."The only main requirements was Australian citizenship and the ability to swim. However, wannabe contestants were also judged by a video presentation of themselves in which they needed to "sum up why we should pick you for Survivor and why do you think you have what it takes to be the sole Survivor".One contestant, Barry from Cairns, described himself as a "successful Aboriginal/South Sea Islander", who is "the quintessential Australian larrikin and has a big personality that will no doubt see him loved by all on the island"."The 24 people we've selected are incredible and represent one of the best casts we have ever assembled for a reality series," Network Ten chief programming officer, Beverley McGarvey, said in the release.  
"Australian Survivor will offer amazing locations, a diverse and intriguing cast and all the drama you'd expect when 24 people are left to fend for themselves while competing for half a million dollars - plus ambitious immunity and reward challenges and jaw-dropping tribal councils."Production of Australian Survivor commenced in Samoa last month. Still Survivor fans lashed out on social media claiming the television game series was "so white" that it did not portray the multicultural diversity of Australia.@Survivor_AU Why is this cast so white? ??? Russell (@russellwsw)   July 4, 2016 Australian Survivor's 24 Aussies look very white if that promo is anything to go by. ??? Maj (@maj_c)   July 3, 2016 Out of the 24 castaways on Australian Survivor none of them are Asian. Why am I not surprised? ??? Alec Heeren (@MzansiAlec)   July 3, 2016 So the cast is announced. #WhySoWhite? Bit of diverity of cultural backgrounds would be great. #SurvivorAU@Survivor_AU#WhiteWash ??? Ryan Brink (@YesRyanB)   July 3, 2016 Typical. And people complain the US version doesn't have diverse casts. Ours is ALL white, bar one. #SurvivorAUhttps://t.co/Dopq4XVg4u ??? Lynda Olson (@Lyndzzz)   July 2, 2016 Australian Survivor sure is white. @Survivor_AU ??? Zach (@zjpof)   July 2, 2016 ...Look at all those white people. @Survivor_AU@ChannelTenhttps://t.co/WeZ54MOleG ??? David (@TheGrimRecapper)   July 3, 2016 Fans also vented concerns about Ten's change to the Survivor format in the first promo of the new series.The Australian version will have a longer game and more contestants than the US version, with 24 castaways competing to become the sole Survivor over a total of 55 days for a cash prize of $500,000.The US Survivor, coined as "the world's most successful reality television series" for its longevity of 33 seasons and counting, ranges from having 16 to 20 castaways competing for $US1 million ($1.33m) in prize money over 39 days.@TheGameSurvivor just found out Survivor Australia is 24 castaways and 55 days. Disappointing they have changed from US format ??? Stephen Fisher (@SteveFish81)   June 29, 2016 Why is Australian survivor going to be 55 days why are they torturing these poor people ??? Eamon (@Eamontheranga)   June 29, 2016 I swear to God if Australian Survivor ruins the concept and reputation of one of my all time favourite TV shows I'll be so pissed ??? nathanscott (@lulemily)   July 4, 2016 Even Russell Hantz, one of the most controversial stars to compete in the US television series, was shocked at the duration of Ten's program, tweeting: "Australian survivor 55 day [sic]!!" Australian Survivor host Jonathan LaPaglia in Samoa. Photo: Nigel Wright/NETWORK 10???The casting of host Jonathan LaPaglia??? has also made Survivor fans anxious, fearing the program will disappoint without the legendary US host Jeff Probst.I'm so torn on Australian Survivor... mostly because I'm inherently distrustful of a survival program without Jeff Probst ??? &. vee (@veespirit)   June 29, 2016 He's just no Jeff Probst, is he? #AustralianSurvivor ??? &. vee (@veespirit)   July 3, 2016 "Australian Survivor"?? I'm sorry, is it 2001? Oh, and "Survivor" without Jeff Probst... I don't think so. ??? Shane McInnes (@shanemcinnes)   May 11, 2016 But not all Survivor fans have been put off, with many remaining hopeful the show will still be a success.@Survivor_AU CANT WAIT! agree with the white wash thing but still nothing will put me off this, when are we getting a date??? ??? KRISTIAN GRIGORIOU (@KristianGrig)   July 3, 2016 If they can match even half of the US version's quality, Survivor Australia will be lit ??? Ni knight (@niknight2)   June 29, 2016 So excited for @Survivor_AU but 55 days is crazy though. Hope the prize $ is worth it @channelten#Samoa#SurvivorAU ??? SydneyPiesFan (@aroseworn)   June 29, 2016 Cast biographies:Andrew, 29, Brisbane, Queensland, Marketing ExecutiveAndrew is a marketing professional with 10 years' experience in the corporate world. He is an avid poker player and will use these skills to get inside the minds of his opponents. While he doesn't see himself as a physical threat, he will manipulate and deceive to stay in the game.Barry, 44, Cairns, Queensland, Radio Host and Ex Rugby InternationalBarry is a confident, articulate, strong, laid-back, funny and successful Aboriginal/South Sea Islander. He has the gift of the gab and currently works at Star FM in Cairns. Barry represents the quintessential Australian larrikin and has a big personality that will no doubt see him loved by all on the island.Bianca, 36, Melbourne, Victoria, Private InvestigatorBianca has a degree in psychology, a masters in criminology and currently works as a private investigator. Her intriguing line of work has seen her manage sex offenders, murderers and drug traffickers. She is mentally tough and thinks she has the strength to outlast her fellow contestants on Australian Survivor.Brooke, 23, Melbourne, Victoria, Sales ExecutiveBrooke is a fun-loving sales executive in Melbourne but is unsure what direction she wants her life to go in. She loves animals, including snakes and spiders, is fit and active and loves hiking. She is confident, stubborn and not afraid to tell people what she really thinks. She will always stand up for herself and the people she cares about. Conner, 23, Canberra, ACT, Law StudentConner is a former United Nations Youth Facilitator and currently studying a post-graduate law degree. He is a go-getter with a real thirst for knowledge. He has recently moved to Canberra but grew up in a remote part of central Victoria. Conner still returns home every university holiday to work at the local bacon factory. He is a big fan of Survivor and thinks his political background will give him a fighting chance on the islandCraig, 32, Brisbane, Queensland, Emergency Services Recruitment OfficerCraig works as a recruitment officer for the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service. He is fit, strong, engaging and likes to call a spade a spade. After an accident that saw 35 per cent of his body burnt, Craig was told he may never be able to go out in the sun again. He proved the doctors wrong and believes he has the emotional tools to cope with the tough conditions on Australian Survivor.Des, 59, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Courier DriverDes is a courier driver and a classic Aussie bloke who loves to have a laugh. He is a loyal man who has been married for 37 years. He calls his wife 'The Queen' and couldn't be more proud of his three daughters. He served in the army for seven years and knows how to live rough. He is a larger-than-life personality who may surprise everyone with the brains underneath his rugged exterior.El, 33, Brisbane, Queensland, Army Corporal and Charity WorkerEl is a corporal in the Army and the founder of two charity organisations supporting homeless veterans and women in the Defence Force. She has represented the armed forces to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and describes herself as a free spirit who is finely balanced between a dainty girl and a tough, fit warrior.Evan, 30, Melbourne, Victoria, High School TeacherEvan loves his job as a high school teacher and thinks it is the most rewarding profession in the world. He is the class clown and self-proclaimed underdog who wants to prove that you don't need to be the smartest, or the most athletic, to win the game of Survivor. He thinks he has what it takes to win with patience, emotional intelligence and social manipulation.Flick, 23, Gold Coast, Queensland, Personal Assistant and BartenderFlick works full-time as a personal assistant for a real estate agent and is training to be an agent herself. An ex-meter maid also works part-time in a hipster bar on the Gold Coast. As the youngest of five kids, Flick was constantly battling for attention with her siblings. She has always been very independent. Flick has a thick skin and can hold her own. She is a cheeky, smart, athletic, high achiever who can't wait to play the game of Survivor.Jennah-Louise, 27, Gold Coast Queensland, Law GraduateJennah-Louise is a law/politics graduate who recently left her corporate job at a big accounting firm to pursue her dreams. JL devotes a lot of her time volunteering with women's groups in remote Kenyan communities. She has been a canyoning guide and enjoys rock climbing, abseiling and skydiving. She is highly competitive and takes pride in her mental and physical toughness.Kate, 28, Perth, Western Australia, Financial AnalystKate is physically and emotionally tough, resilient, inspiring, likeable and straight-talking. At 19, she was involved in a boating accident that resulted in more than 10 hours of emergency surgery. Her parents were told her chances of survival were one in a million. In the face of adversity, Kate pushed through with determination and is now fitter than ever, competing in triathlons and training six days a week.Kat, 26, Perth, Western Australia, Partnerships and Brand ManagerKat comes from a middle class family and has worked hard to be successful in her career. She recently quit her job as partnerships and brand manager for the WA Cricket Association to appear on the show and has developed a thick skin that has enabled her to thrive in a male-dominated environment. She is smart, confident, brash and will not tolerate laziness or chauvinism.Kristie, 24, Sydney, NSW, Senior Account ExecutiveKristie is candid, confident, charismatic and kooky. She describes herself as independent, effervescent, tactful, curious and stubborn. Kristie is well travelled and physically fit. She is in it to win it and will not let anyone get in her way.Kylie, 38, Melbourne, Victoria, FirefighterAs a firefighter, Kylie faces danger on a daily basis and is always up for a challenge. A normal day sees her wake at 5am to teach a women's fitness class then, from 8am to 6pm, she is the lead firefighter in a Melbourne metropolitan fire station. After work, Kylie returns home to play super mum to her three young daughters. A thrill-seeker at heart, Kylie has been skydiving, bungy jumping, sand boarding, rock climbing, abseiling and hiked the Kokoda Trail. Lee, 40, Brisbane, Queensland, Aerial Photographer and Ex Pro CricketerLee was a professional cricketer who played in the IPL, Sheffield Shield and KFC Big Bash League. In 2004, agonising back stress fractures and degenerative disc problems forced him into early retirement from cricket. After years of rehabilitation, Lee made a comeback in 2008 and was heralded in the Courier Mail's Top 20 Courageous Athletes. He now owns a drone company that specialises in aerial photography and filming. Lee is a devoted single dad who loves his two sons more than anything on earth.Matt, 29, Adelaide, South Australia, Magician and MentalistMatt spent eight years working in corporate banking before deciding he needed a life change and pursued his passion for magic. He started performing three years ago and is now booking out shows around the country. Matt is also a professional mentalist and can read body language and use clever wording to influence people's decisions. He believes these skills will help him navigate the game of Survivor.Nick, 28, Adelaide, South Australia, High School TeacherNick is a high school English teacher in Adelaide. He is an astute Survivor fan who has studied the game for many years. He has watched every episode of every series of the US version of Survivor multiple times. Nick is hoping his smaller frame will throw off his competitors so he can beat them with his brains.Peter, 62, Canberra, ACT, Air Traffic ControllerPeter is a unique, quirky Australian with a tonne of life experience and a passion for aviation. He has had various occupations over the years, from potato picking and casino inspector to being a postie and an aircraft accident investigator and pilot. Most of his career focussed on Civilian and Military aviation and describes his Air Traffic Control Job as complicated as 3D chess. Peter's hobbies include mountaineering, scuba diving, running and kayaking. He may be the oldest contestant on the show, but Peter is confident he has what it takes for the physical and mental challenges of Australian Survivor.Phoebe, 27, Sydney, NSW, Criminal LawyerPhoebe is a qualified lawyer who has worked on criminal cartel enforcement. She does not take anything at face value and has learnt to manipulate people when required. Phoebe can interrogate people, think on her feet, work under pressure and is a natural mediator who rarely loses an argument. She is excited to bring this set of skills to the game of Survivor.Rohan, 28, Melbourne, Victoria, ModelRohan is a charismatic, charming and successful model who completely breaks the stereotype. Rohan put his modelling career on hold for three years to be the Australian representative of the Rwanda Development Board. He was on the Dean's List at university, has degrees in commerce and science, and is passionate about the environment, sustainability and helping others, especially in developing areas where he travels frequently.Sam, 28, Sydney NSW, Charity Co-Founder and CEOSam is the CEO of the mental health and suicide prevention organisation LIVIN, which he cofounded in 2013 after one of his close friends took his own life. Sam is super fit, lives a very healthy and active lifestyle and is always setting himself challenges. One of the people he helped through his charity encouraged him to apply for Australian Survivor.Sue, 59, Perth, Western Australia, Personal Trainer and Retired Customs OfficerSue worked as a customs officer for 29 years and did everything from air passenger profiling to jumping out of helicopters into the sea. She moved around the country and had to perform many physically arduous tasks and she loved every minute of it. Sue is married to her second husband and between them they have 17 grandchildren. Sue is mentally tough, she fears tight spaces and hates people who interrupt.Tegan, 33, Sydney, NSW, Personal Trainer and ModelTegan has been a catalogue model for more than 15 years, but relies more on her personal training business for income. She has been a PT for eight years and has trained the likes of David Beckham, Natalie Imbruglia, Lara Stone and Hugh Grant. Tegan grew up in Perth until she was 18, when she moved to the Gold Coast and later Sydney. She recently returned to Australia after living in London for four years.An air date for the show has yet to be announced.Network Ten has been contacted for further comment.