PORTLAND – The state’s first “Survivor” contestant said she planned to be among those glued to the television Thursday to see how fellow Mainer Julie Berry fares during the show’s season opener.

“I can’t wait to see the show,” said Zoe Zanidakis, a longtime commercial fisherman and charter boat captain from Monhegan Island.

Zanidakis, who participated on the show in 2002 and who was voted off the South Pacific Island of Nuku Hiva after nine of the 12 episodes, said viewers can expect to see Berry face surprises from the show’s producers.

“You have this preconceived notion of what the experience will be like, and all they are trying to do is mess that up,” Zanidakis said.

Berry, a 23-year-old youth mentor from Gorham, will compete with other castaways as they build shelter, gather and hunt for food and compete in numerous challenges on the remote island.

Berry’s mother, Judith Berry, said the family has received many calls from people asking for a tip on the show’s outcome.

The family has since changed their home phone number.

“Obviously it’s a well-kept secret,” she said of the show’s outcome.

CBS prohibits contestants from speaking about the show until the episode in which they are voted off the island is broadcast. Each week, one contestant is voted off until only one remains and collects the $1 million prize.

Berry, who was born in Lewiston, is an American Indian from the Maliseet tribe.

Judith Berry, a lawyer who specializes in adoption, and her husband, Les, an engineer with the firm BH2M, adopted Berry when she was 4. Berry also has an older brother, Chris, who is 27 and lives in North Carolina.

Judith Berry said her daughter has an “honest smile” and “an infectious laugh,” which may help her build alliances with the other castaways.

“Survivor: Vanuatu – Islands of Fire,” is the ninth edition of the series.