Well, this is an odd play for the Trade Federation CBS.  Soon what could be considered the forerunner of modern reality TV, ‘Survivor‘ will reach a landmark 25 seasons as the series next travels to the Philippines to test the mettle of its 18 contestants.  But what special guests can count themselves among the contestants?  Will ‘The Facts of Life’ be enough to teach sitcom star Lisa Whelchel to survive?  Who else will compete?

CBS has released the cast list for ‘Survivor: Philippines,’ the show’s historic 25th season.  Curiously, among them is none other than former ‘Facts of Life’ star Lisa Whelchel!  The former Blair Warner counts herself among 18 total contestants competing for the title of Sole Survivor and a $1 million prize.

Also present in the cast is former National League MVP Jeff Kent of the San Francisco Giants, as well as three former contestants receiving another chance at the prize, after being medically evacuated from the game in prior seasons.  For the first time in nearly a decade, ‘Survivor: Philippines’ will divide the contestants into three tribes, including: Kalabaw (“Water Buffalo”), Tandang (“Rooster”) and Matsing (“Monkey”).

Immunity challenges will include water-based battles, in which the three tribes will battle for first and second place in order to be granted immunity, with the third-place tribe heading to Tribal Council to eliminate a team member.

What say you?  Does the inclusion of Lisa Whelchel make the show’s 25th season sound any more appealing to you?  Who do you think will be the ultimate ‘Survivor?’  Give us your predictions in the comments!

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