By John Powell – GlobalTV.com 

Jonathan Penner, Michael Skupin and Russell Swan were taken out of the ‘Survivor’ game well before their time but all three are back this season and seeking redemption.

With their appearances ending in heartbreak and tragedy, each are hoping that this time, they will be the Sole Survivor.

Michael Skupin 

Michael Skupin, the most famous of the three returnees, was evacuated from ‘Survivor: Australia’ on the sixth episode when he was overcome by smoke and fell face-first into the camp fire. In one of the most heart-breaking and anguishing scenes ever witnessed on Survivor, Skupin awoke and doused himself in the Herbert River. Skupin was later airlifted to a local hospital to receive medical attention as his tribe cried and waved farewell to their leader.

"Mike's accident might have brought some a realization that, you know, maybe there are other things more important than even the million dollars,” reflected tribemate Rodger Bingham at the time.

Die-hard Survivor fans have waited years for Skupin’s return as up until the accident he seemed to be the strongest and most determined player. If the accident hadn’t occurred, Survivor: Australia might have ended differently than it had.

“There is no other returning player in the history of this game with more to prove than me. I’ll find a way to win, whatever it takes,” Skupin said in a pre-game interview.

Jonathan Penner 

Jonathan Penner is no stranger to Survivor or its fans. On the Cook Islands edition, the keen strategist took a mutiny offer and ditched his original tribe. Eventually though, the former Aitutaki members would turn on Jonathan and vote him out. He became the sixth member of the jury.

Penner returned on Fan Vs. Favourites (Survivor: Micronesia) and did fairly well again until he suffered a puncture wound to his knee.

On Day 15, the medical staff determined that his knee was severely infected and he needed immediate medical attention. He was removed unwillingly from the game. Penner believes that the third time will be a charm for him.

“If I can get past the first three or four votes I’m going all the way,” he said.

Russell Swan 

Russell Swan was one of the strongest competitors on Survivor: Samoa until on the unlucky Day 15, once again, tragedy struck. Dehydration took Swan down during a challenge. Swan became dizzy and collapsed. Swan’s blood pressure fell alarmingly low and he blacked out twice as the medical staff tried to help him the best they could. Despite Swan’s protests, it was decided he had to be removed from the game for medical reasons.

“Because I’ve already tried the failure route. I’m gonna take a different path and win this time,” said Swan about his return to Survivor.

Survivor: Philippines premieres Wednesday, September 19 at 8.00 et/pt.