Simon Barnett and Contestants Injured During Celebrity Treasure Island Challenge

Broadcaster Simon Barnett and comedian David Correos have been medically eliminated from Celebrity Treasure Island after both sustaining calf injuries during a high-intensity challenge. The two participants were forced to leave the series following an episode that aired on May 6, 2026.

The exits occurred during a push challenge that required contestants to use their upper bodies to push against a wooden slider in a scrum-like fashion. The objective was to outmuscle the opposing team by pushing them backward. During the event, both Barnett and Correos suffered torn calf muscles when their legs appeared to buckle under the pressure of the pushing motion.

Show host Bree Tomasel announced the medical eliminations after medics provided aid to the two men on set. Speaking with the NZ Herald, Barnett noted that he recognized the difficulty of the task immediately upon seeing it, telling Correos, This is going to be a really tough one.

Despite his concerns, Barnett was driven by a competitive desire to outperform former Black Fern Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.

I wanted to beat her so I had the ability to brag for years to come. I saw an opportunity to push really hard. But unfortunately, when I pushed, I tore my calf.

Simon Barnett via NZ Herald

Barnett, who is 59, revealed that he has suffered this specific injury several times in the past. While he has since made a full recovery and returned to the gym, he expressed significant disappointment over his early departure. His participation in the show was tied to a deep personal commitment to the White Matter Brain Cancer Trust, the organization he represented during the competition.

The choice of charity was a tribute to Barnett’s wife, Jodi, who passed away from brain cancer in 2023. Barnett stated that he felt a strong responsibility to perform well to raise money for the trust, describing the organization as amazing.

Beyond the competition, Barnett’s decision to join the cast was part of a broader effort to navigate his life following his wife’s death. After receiving advice from a counselor to create a new life, Barnett made a conscious effort to embrace new and challenging experiences, even though he initially felt hesitant.

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it, to be honest. I sort of thought I’d be doing it under self-forcing almost. So that was essentially the reason I did it — to push myself out there.

Simon Barnett via 1News

Barnett admitted that the experience surpassed his expectations, particularly regarding the social dynamics of the show. He likened the rapid bonding between the cast members to being in prison because of the intensity and speed of the connections formed.

The injuries to Barnett and Correos are part of a larger trend of physical setbacks during this season of the program. Media personality Polly Gillespie also exited the series in late April 2026 after suffering a damaged knee.

While Correos has also made a full recovery, he raised concerns regarding the design of the challenge. He suggested that the fixed height of the board caused pressure to load onto the body differently depending on the height of the participant, which he believes may have contributed to the injuries.