Josh Martinez stated that he is no longer participating in The Challenge 42. The long-time Challenge veteran was reportedly committed to appearing on the new season, but said that his schedule wouldn’t allow for it.
The Big Brother 19 winner has become a mainstay on reality TV. After his time in the Big Brother house, He competed on War of the Worlds, War of the Worlds 2, Total Madness, Double Agents, Spies, Lies & Allies, The Challenge: USA 2, and Battle of the Eras.
Though he’s not considered an Old School player on The Challenge, he has certainly become a veteran. It was then assumed that he would appear on The Challenge 42, and Josh even teased about it on social media. But he apparently doesn’t have the time.
Is Josh Martinez no longer on the cast of The Challenge 42?
“I got called for next season and I initially said yes but had to turn it down due to conflicting dates with another obligation I have during those dates,” Josh reportedly stated.
“Taking a break from the challenge for now but I plan on coming back some day. To whoever takes my spot on 42 I hope you win,” Josh reportedly added.
That post led to mixed reactions from viewers, with some disappointed he wouldn’t be on the new season and others celebrating his absence.
In his defense, he wouldn’t be the first person to opt out of a Challenge season because he was working on another project.
A look ahead at The Challenge 42
As previously reported by Tea on TV, rumors indicate that filming for The Challenge 42 will likely begin in late February. From there, the expectation is that The Challenge 42 will start airing episodes in July or August of 2026.
Here is a rumored cast list for The Challenge 42. Some veteran names are included in the probable cast. There are also some new people linked to the show. We will surely see more people from Big Brother and Survivor pop up.
More news and notes from reality TV
A possible Challenge 42 player shaded a legend from the show. It has created some fun pre-season banter, which is always fun for the fans to read about.
Drama on The Traitors as one player says, “Banish them lips.” A new season is underway on Peacock.
The Live Reunion Show returns for Survivor 50, and here are the details. The fans are finally getting what they want.
