These are the participants of Expedition Robinson 2026

I had been eagerly waiting for this announcement for weeks: and I'm grabbing my coconuts, because experienced Expedition Robinson is back! And this year with an extra surprise, because in addition to the Dutch candidates, there are also familiar Flemish faces participating. From Goldband singer Boaz Kok to Maxime Meiland: these nineteen candidates are trading their comfortable lives for 34 days of survival on a tropical island.

This is Expedition Robinson

It is finally time for us to discover who dares to stay on a deserted island in the middle of Asia. Starting November 1, 2026, the new season of Expedition Robinson will kick off, once again hosted by Nicolette Kluijver and Edson da Graça.

We know the recipe by now: survive with as few resources as possible, drag yourself through heavy trials, and try not to be sent home first. Because no matter how good you are at making fire or cracking coconuts, without a bit of strategy, you won't get far. And this strategic game can often lead to some surprising twists.

The candidates of this season

Boaz Kok

Boaz Kok, singer of Goldband, is trading the stage for a deserted island. And if I may believe his own words, he is not someone to underestimate. He compares himself to a cat that stays calm until the moment to strike arrives. Sounds like we definitely shouldn't take our eyes off him.

Cath Luyten

The Flemish Cath Luyten is a TV maker and author and is particularly looking forward to the real survival. No phone, feet in the sand, and making sure there's a fish on the table in the evening: that's what she's excited about. She calls the strategic game a necessary evil. Whether she still thinks that way when a bond is about to form, remains to be seen.

Denice Dest

You might know Denice Dest as the host of First Dates, but on the island, she takes on a very different role. She indicates that she is strategically minded and finds it important to make her own position as favorable as possible. And a little white lie for the greater good? She claims she doesn't have much trouble with that.

Denise Anna

Sports influencer and TikTok star Denise Anna has a secret weapon up her sleeve. The group might think she is only known for her sports content, but she is also a military reservist. And she prefers to keep that to herself for as long as possible. Very clever of her, because being underestimated during Expedition Robinson could work to her advantage. The question is just how long she can keep this hidden.

Dorien Nuyts

As the most famous fry seller in Antwerp, Dorien Nuyts usually has her fries within reach. On the island, however, that will be a different story. Her biggest fears? Being hungry and not sleeping well. And those are precisely two things you will have to deal with during Expedition Robinson. She is especially curious about how she will physically and mentally endure the adventure.

Eliyha Altena

Actor Eliyha Altena, known as Daan from Knokke Off, knows that in Expedition Robinson, you don't always have to be the loudest. His strategy? To be a chameleon. Not to stand out too much, but also not to remain completely silent. An interesting tactic, although we also know that even the quietest candidate can suddenly become the center of attention.

Elodie Gabias

Flemish content creator Elodie Gabias loves a challenge outside her comfort zone. Adventurous, she claims, she is not at all, but that’s exactly why this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do something completely different. Life without a phone even sounds delightful to her. The only thing she worries about a bit more is the lack of toilet paper. Well, you have to draw the line somewhere, of course.

Joost Swinkels

Qmusic DJ Joost Swinkels knows that Expedition Robinson ultimately also means saying goodbye to people you get along well with. And that seems to be the hardest part for him. Because no matter how cozy it may start on the island, in the end, it's every man for himself. Even if you actually really like someone, the moment may come when you have to send that person home.

Luka van den Keybus

Flemish Olympic gymnast Luka van den Keybus has a sporty mindset that he will take to the island. As soon as it comes to a direct duel in a trial, he switches into high gear. According to him, it's simply full throttle. With his experience at the highest sports level, he could be a formidable opponent. But an Olympic mindset is, of course, no guarantee for a well-filled stomach.

Maxime Meiland

Maxime Meiland, known from the Meilandjes (duh), is also taking on the adventure. Maxime says she is going in blank and letting everything come to her. That doesn’t mean she isn’t competitive, as she describes herself as a true go-getter. And her argument for being able to handle the expedition? She has given birth to two children and thinks that nothing on the island can be worse than childbirth. There’s not much to argue against that.

Omar Souidi

The Flemish lawyer Omar Souidi claims he is not exactly prepared for the adventure. But hey, Robinson Crusoe wasn't either, so why should he be? Giving up is definitely not an option. He is especially curious about what hunger will do to him and the rest of the group.

Pauline Slangen

Singer Pauline Slangen has a head start on the rest with her ten years in the scouts. She has even practiced with her flint at home and has made sure to eat well before she leaves. After all, it's better to have some reserves. Pauline sees the adventure as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and plans to go all out.

Pieter van der Sman

Actor Pieter van der Sman, known from Amsterdamned II, may be one of the older participants in the group due to his experience. He expects that this will quickly put him in an ‘underdog position’. But don't underestimate him. Pieter prefers to see himself as the dark horse: the one no one counts on until the moment arrives to strike mercilessly.

Saartje Vandendriessche

Flemish presenter Saartje Vandendriessche claims to know what suffering is. Hunger, survival, and functioning in a group: these are not unfamiliar concepts for her. That could come in handy when the temperatures rise and fatigue sets in. Whether she can hold her own strategically, we will see on the screen starting November 1.

Seppe Herreman

You might know Seppe Herreman better as Red Sebastian, the stage name under which he participated in the Eurovision Song Contest. On the island, he mainly wants to stay true to himself and entertain the group. Singing a song to keep the spirits up? He won't shy away from that. And let's be honest: if you're stuck on an island for days with little food and little sleep, someone who can lighten the mood can be quite welcome.

Shelley Vol

Shelley Vol, known as the singer of OGENE, temporarily leaves her sisters Lisa and Amy behind to embark on the adventure. And she finds that exciting: being alone without her familiar family around her. Still, she thinks her mental strength can give her an advantage over other candidates. Whether she can keep her emotions well hidden when things get tough is another question.

Sjinkie Knegt

World champion short track Sjinkie Knegt is not planning to lay all his cards on the table right away. He wants to first quietly observe what is happening around him and only later in the game really pull out all the stops. That sounds like someone who wants to manage his energy and strategy well. And with his sports background, he probably knows better than anyone that timing can be everything.

Sophie Bouquet

Actress Sophie Bouquet, known from GTST and Woeste Grond, is not coming to the island to make friends for life. She is there to win. If that means she has to deceive someone to save herself, she claims she will just do it. Not because she particularly enjoys it, but because it ultimately remains a game. We are curious whether her fellow candidates can appreciate her honesty or would rather see her leave as soon as possible.

Wout Bru

Last but certainly not least, Flemish star chef Wout Bru is participating. He has a clear mindset: everyone who participates in Expedition Robinson wants to win. And if you don't have that mindset, he wonders what you're actually doing there. That promises something. Although for a chef on an island without a well-stocked kitchen, there is certainly an extra challenge. But he is still a crucial candidate.

Who presents Expedition Robinson 2026?

Also this season, Nicolette Kluijver and Edson da Graça are back. They guide the candidates during their survival adventure in Malaysia. Nicolette has been a familiar face on the show for years and knows better than anyone how tough life on the island can be. Edson supports her during the trials, the island moments, and all the strategic developments that will undoubtedly create plenty of tension again.

New this season is Camille Vanuxem. She takes on the role of reporter and brings the candidates' adventure even closer to the viewer. What happens behind the scenes and how the participants experience life on the island becomes even more interesting to follow.

This day Expedition Robinson is on television

Fortunately, we don't have to wait much longer. Expedition Robinson 2026 starts on Sunday, November 1 at 8:00 PM on RTL 4. Those who prefer to stream can watch the episodes weekly on Videoland starting the day after the regular broadcast.

The Flemish viewers can also follow the adventure. In Belgium, the program will be available for streaming weekly on Sundays via VTM GO+ starting November 1, and will be broadcast on VTM starting Saturday, November 7.

Image: RTL / © Rob van der Voort