SHARNI VINSON 'HOLLYWOOD MADE ME A SURVIVOR'

The actress joins Team Heroes in a battle to take home $500,000

- Wade Sellers

Following a hugely successful career starring in Hollywood blockbusters, some may think Sharni Vinson's decision to enter Australian Survivor is an odd one.

But for the 39-year-old Sydney-born actress, it was a no-brainer.

"The answer was an immediate yes," she tells Woman's Day. "I'd been back in Australia for three weeks when I was asked, after being in the US for six years, and I thought, 'Why not?"

The star, who became a household name for her role as Cassie Turner on Home And Away in the 2000s but left the country soon after to pursue Hollywood, says the timing felt "perfect" to "reconnect with Australian audiences".

"I've been gone for so long, so I'm keen to get back out there in the Australian world again and see where this takes me."

REALITY CHECK

On preparing for her toughest role yet, Sharni admits to not changing anything about her training or diet regimen.

Being a former professional swimmer and trained dancer, she says she's in her "element" when she's constantly moving, but it's the mental challenge that the show is known for testing that Sharni feels most confident about.