TVSquad

Jeff Probst, the host of Survivor Micronesia, recently talked with media outlets. We all know how Jeff can be at Tribal Council with his "probsting" (and sometimes leading) questions.

Did he spill any beans? Did he offer fans some hints about the upcoming season? After all, this isn't the typical Survivor season starting on Thursday. It's the ballyhooed Fans vs. Favorites!

Although there are no real spoilers, some of the following is slightly spoilerish -- read at your own risk!

Here's the lowdown ...

• The fans weren't aware that they'd be playing against returning castaways until they were on their way to Micronesia. Apparently we can expect a big reveal on the premiere. Jeff said, "It's like they're at a rock concert."
• He also said this season is physically brutal on the cast.
• The producers were hoping that the superfans would turn from idolizing the past players to animosity...and they delivered.
• Both fans and favorites were told there would be 20 castaways, but each side thought differently. The show fans thought it would be all fans, the former players thought it was a typical "all-stars" format.
• Courtney from Survivor China turned down the chance to return for Micronesia.
• Amanda had already finished filming Micronesia before finding out how she did on China.
• Ex-winner Tom Westman also turned down returning claiming that all went his way in his season and he'd only tarnish his image.
• In regard to Jonny Fairplay, Probst said, "I cannot tell you if Fairplay is coming or going, honest or a liar, straight or bent...I have no idea." He also said he didn't want him to come back at first and followed it up with "I can tell you we got exactly what we expected – and deserved – putting Fairplay on the show."
• Several blindsildes go down in a row at Tribal Councils.
• The conditions were bad at the location.
• Lots of physical challenges this season.
  
• Exile Island is being worked differently -- this season two castaways, one from each tribe, will go at a time. That will force them to work together.
• There is one hidden immunity idol and it's likely the two sent to Exile Island will go for it.
• The idols play a major part of the show this season.
• Someone makes a blunder which relieves James of the Biggest Blunder Maker (for not saving himself with an idol last season).

So, there it is. Survivors ready?