Former ‘Big Brother’ Champ Josh Martinez Reveals Why He Didn’t Return for Season 22
Big Brother 19 winner Josh Martinez seemed poised to return for season 22, the first all-stars season since 2006. However, he didn’t appear as part of the cast and has remained quiet on the situation. A week before the BB22 finale, the former champ revealed why he did not compete in the season.
Josh Martinez won ‘Big Brother 19’
Three years ago, Miami native Josh Martinez joined the cast of Big Brother 19 and quickly became a target due to his emotional outbursts. Additionally, he frequently got into several arguments with different houseguests, making it difficult for him to have allies.
However, he started working with Christmas Abbott and returning player Paul Abrahamian. After realizing how Paul masterminded each vote, Josh began exposing his ally’s lies in his goodbye messages.
The Miami native won the final Head of Household competition and chose to evict Christmas, believing the jury hated Paul more than himself. It worked as Josh narrowly beat his ally in a 5-4 vote, becoming the first male minority winner.
After Big Brother, he went on to compete in a few seasons of The Challenge but hasn’t been able to repeat his success yet.
Rumors circulated Josh Martinez had COVID-19
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many fans thought Big Brother 22 wouldn’t happen. However, the show returned with all-returning players for the first time in nearly 15 years.
Rumors began to circulate surrounding which contestants would return, and many reports confirmed Josh and season 20 champ Kaycee Clark would compete. Additionally, the two were spotted alongside several other returning houseguests who flew to Los Angeles to get tested for COVID-19 before entering the house.
However, Josh and Kaycee returned home, fueling rumors the two were denied because they had the virus. Additionally, before going to LA, the friends recently finished filming The Challenge 35 and posted videos of themselves partying for a few weeks without a mask in Miami.
While in the house, Janelle Pierzina repeatedly said the two contracted the virus, resulting in their dismissal.
Josh Martinez revealed why he didn’t return for ‘Big Brother 22’
Although fans have consistently asked the two why they didn’t compete on the all-stars season, neither have directly answered the question. In an Oct. 21 Instagram Question and Answer, Josh explained he was cast on BB22, but production “pulled” him at the last minute due to what he claims was a false positive COVID test.
Even though the news likely upset him at the time, the BB19 champ noted he believes “everything happens for a reason” and is “grateful” for the opportunities he’s received. If Josh had participated in the all-star season, several fans think the season probably would have had more fights.
Additionally, he stated he would have “teamed up” with outliers Kaysar Ridha and Janelle as well as Da’Vonne Rogers, who he competed on The Challenge alongside last year. The former winner currently keeps up with the show and shares his opinions on social media.
After the episode before the finale aired, Josh noted he believes Cody Calafiore will become the winner of the second All-Stars season. Big Brother 22 finale airs Oct. 28, 2020, at 9/8c on CBS.
Follow Tamara Grant on Twitter.
