Maine ‘Survivor’ having fun with her new celebrity status

PORTLAND – Reality TV’s cult of amateur celebrity enveloped a Maine islander Friday, as word spread that Zoe Zanidakis had been voted off “Survivor.”

The Monhegan Island lobster boat captain spent her day hopping around New York City, where she made television appearances, hosted an Internet chat session and found time for several phone interviews.

“I’ve been scooting all over the city here,” Zanidakis told The Associated Press. “This is like being on the high seas.”

On Thursday, CBS aired the ninth episode of the hit reality show’s fourth series, set on the remote Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific.

When Thursday’s episode began, Zanidakis, 35, was one of seven contestants still in the running for the show’s $1 million prize. One hour later, she was ousted by a 6-1 vote.

“Survivor” was taped last November and December. Since then, Zanidakis has returned to Monhegan to set 500 lobster traps, and she has spent time fishing in Australia.

Since the show started airing, she said she’s constantly recognized in airports. But she still wasn’t prepared for the media circus her life has now become.

“It’s all been wild and crazy,” she said. “The door opens and there’s a camera and a mike man.”

Not that she isn’t enjoying the ride, which will include visits with Rosie O’Donnell and David Letterman, and many regular stops on the celebrity publicity circuit between now and Tuesday.

Zanidakis was back in Maine on Wednesday, when she was honored by the Legislature during a visit to the State House in Augusta.

“In Maine, I can’t go anywhere,” she said. “And it’s so fun.”

Zanidakis grew up on Monhegan Island and has lived there for all but five years of her life. She said island life has accustomed her to living without luxuries, which proved an advantage on “Survivor.”

Zanidakis plans to return to Monhegan on Mother’s Day to pull traps, but she may not be in the lobstering business for the long haul. She’s put her 40-foot lobster boat “Equinox” on the market.

Like many reality-show cast members, Zanidakis said she hopes to pursue an acting career. She’s already cashing in by selling hats and a 2003 calendar titled “A Year in the Life of Zoe” on her Web site.

Fans in cyberspace were glum Friday about Zanidakis’ fate.

“Is anyone else crying?” read one message on an Internet site devoted to Zanidakis.