The truth has finally come out. In a recent interview, Josh Martinez admitted to being dropped from Big Brother: All Stars due to testing positive for COVID-19. While fans had speculated for quite some time that this was the reason that Josh was not a part of the season, it was never confirmed until now. For a while, fans were under the impression that the season was being delayed due to both former winners Josh Martinez and Kaycee Clark having COVID-19.
This past season of Big Brother got off to a late start due to the pandemic. While it typically starts in late June, the All Star season did not premiere until early August. When the pandemic began in March, production decided to turn what was once planned to be a regular season into an All Star season in an effort to eliminate the auditioning process. Once the season began, fans were excited to see some returning contestants and not so thrilled about others. They were left wondering why some strong competitors were left out of the season, such as Josh Martinez. Rumors later began to spread that Josh was cut from the season due to false results on a COVID-19 test.
Josh Martinez is finally clearing up the real reasoning he was not a part of Big Brother: All Stars. In a recent interview with ET, Josh went in-depth about the days leading up to what could have been his second season inside the Big Brother house. Production had reached out to Josh in March regarding the All Star season. While he was excited to be asked to return to the show, Josh was conflicted about whether he should go back to Big Brother or pursue The Challenge. Ultimately, he decided on Big Brother as it is a show he has dreamed of being on since he was a child. Prior to flying out to LA, Josh tested positive for the coronavirus and was sick for nearly two weeks. Once he was feeling better, he received three negative tests before being allowed to fly out for the show. Upon landing, Josh was quickly put into sequester as he prepared for the upcoming season. Just two days prior to the premiere date, Josh tested positive for COVID-19 twice.
Although he never made it on the All Star season, Josh was fully prepared to play the game he once won yet again. He explained that while he was quarantining for the show, he had already done all of the photoshoots and such for the season. While Josh tried to put up a positive front on social media, he was truly "heartbroken" that this had happened; however, Josh does try to see the blessing in everything life throws his way. Being a fan for such a long time, Josh understood how much of an honor it was to be one of the first contestants that production reached out to for the second All Star season ever. Josh remembered being in a "depressed state" while alone in LA. He soon called The Challenge, asking them to allow him to return back. According to Josh, the show was very accepting and understanding of his original decision to pursue Big Brother: All Stars over The Challenge. They also quickly accepted him back on the show. Just one week after being dropped from Big Brother, Josh went into quarantine yet again for The Challenge.
If Josh would have competed on Big Brother: All Stars, the season could have had a completely different outcome. He would have been playing alongside his best companion from season 19, Christmas Abbot. Perhaps with Josh keeping her focused on the game, Christmas may have never caught feelings for her now-boyfriend Memphis. While fans will never know, they are left to believe that everything happens for a reason.
Source: ET, CheatSheet