These Southland 'Survivors' Are "Confident" In Season 35

Survivor's new castaway battle makes its season 35 debut Wednesday night. Expect twists and turns this season as the cast members are divvied up between "Heroes, Healers or Hustlers." The castaways must battle to prove which group has what it takes to win: Heroes, Healers or Hustlers. In the inaugural episode of season 35, one tribe will earn an advantage when the game is immediately “ignited” by the season’s first challenge. A super idol will also be put into play that brings along a new twist. The premier is Wednesday, Sept. 27 (8-9 p.m., ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

The 18 Survivor "Heroes, Healers or Hustlers" contestants were divided for the first time by "the positive traits most often associated with them by others," host and executive producer Jeff Probst said.

The field has "a lot of likeable people, a lot of people you would like to see win and some people with really relatable stories," Probst said.

A handful of Southern California residents you may recognize are on the cast, including:

The "Levu" (Heroes) tribe consists of people used to being heralded for their "courage, your achievements, for your ideals for which you stand," Probst said.

The tribe includes John "JP" Hilsabeck, a 28-year-old firefighter from Los Angeles; Alan Ball, who played cornerback for four NFL teams from 2007 through 2015; and Katrina Radke, who finished fifth in the women's 200-meter butterfly in the 1988 Summer Olympics.

Probst said he thought Hilsabeck "is a little intimidated."

"He might feel the burden of all of what he brings with him -- young, thick, good looking, a fireman," Probst said. "You've got a lot to live up to."

Ball "is a really likeable guy," Probst said.

"He's got a bright smile and an amazing energy," Probst said.

Radke's biggest drawback is her personality, Probst said.

"She's a little quirky and she shares," Probst said.

Radke acknowledged that she tends to be "a little blunt."

Probst said she hopes Radke "can read the room and say 'Let me back off,' because she's a really likeable person and the longer she stays, I think the more people will realize what a good person she is."

The "Yawa" (Hustlers) tribe members are those who "must earn respect from others," Probst said. It includes Alexandrea "Ali" Elliott, a 24-year- old celebrity assistant from Los Angeles.

"There's a lot of stuff in 'Survivor' that you have that normally (you) don't want to be doing, but you got to get it done," Elliott said. "I'm used to doing the job that nobody else wants to do."

Probst said Elliott "has a really amazing energy."

"I think Ali is going to be in it for a long time," Probst said. "I would be surprised if she's out early. I think she's way too bright for that. It wouldn't surprise me to see her at the end."

The "Soko" (Healers) tribe members "receive gratitude for their work," Probst said. It includes a nurse practitioner, wilderness therapy guide, physical therapist and urologist.

"Survivor" was shot in the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji for the third consecutive edition. The winner will receive $1 million.

Photo: Timothy Kuratek/©2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved