Sussex mum Jayne Meyler made her TV debut in front of an audience of millions in the first episode of Survivor.

Jayne, 47, was seen in the 21st Century's answer to Robinson Crusoe battling against 16 other finalists for the £1 million prize in ITV's £10 million reality show.

The fitness trainer, from Goring Road, Steyning, could only tell her husband Chris her true destination when she set sail for the South China Sea to take part in what has been dubbed the show of the summer.

Even her son, Warwick, was kept in the dark until she returned to Britain last month.

The seven-year-old and the rest of her friends had believed she was flying out to the US for a massage training course.

Jayne has been banned from speaking about her experiences while marooned on the island of Pulau Tiga in the South China Sea, until the winner is announced.

Only Nigel Lythgoe - famed for the Popstars show that gave birth to Hear'Say - knows the final outcome.

In Monday night's episode she told viewers: "The hardest part was leaving my family. I have a small child and I was very loath to leave him."

However, she immediately caused a stir and was accused of being a "bitch" for criticising other members of her tribe.

Our reporter spotted her relaxing with son Warwick outside the family home this week, tanned from her 40 days in the tropical sun and showing no signs of nervousness about being catapulted into the media spotlight.

Her best friend, Clare Ship, said: "She's taking it all in her stride."

Jayne attended a convent school in Sussex and left with ten O-levels and three A-levels.

She now runs fitness sessions at her local gym and is personal trainer to two high-profile clients.