Is Josh Duggar Going To Star In ‘Counting On’ Season 2? Show Source Responds Before Premiere

Josh Duggar is rumored to be itching to return to reality TV following a string of scandals which resulted in his family’s series, “19 Kids and Counting,” being canceled. Despite the father of four’s speculated desire to return to the limelight, a TLC source says he’s not going to appear in his sibling’s spinoff, “Jill & Jessa: Counting On.”

Ahead of the series’ Season 2 premiere, which is scheduled to air this summer, a “network source” has revealed to People that reports Josh will cameo on the program are “absolutely untrue.” Despite Season 1 of the show addressing Josh’s molestation and cheating scandals, and occasionally starring his wife Anna Duggar, the magazine says the 28-year-old will not appear on “Counting On” in “any formal capacity.”

The confirmation that Josh will not appear on the show come one month after a report surfaced claiming he was looking to rejoin the reality TV circuit for monetary reasons. After working at a used car dealership following his six-month stay in rehab, InTouch Weekly reported Josh realized the “only way he’s going to make a proper income” is to return to television. Insiders said his joint statement with Anna about their decision to pursue counseling following his rehab stay was a “ploy” on his part to get back on TV.

“He’s hoping this will show everyone he’s taken real steps to deal with his problems,” a source “close” to Josh revealed. “Josh is realizing that his father, Jim Bob, can’t keep supporting him financially for the rest of his life.”

As previously reported, TLC canceled “19 Kids and Counting” after over a decade on air in July 2015 following reports Josh had molested several of his female siblings as a teenager. The following month Josh was revealed to be using the website Ashley Madison and he soon after admitted to being unfaithful in his marriage. In February, the network announced the “Counting On” spinoff which stars Josh’s older siblings but focuses on his sisters Jill Dillard and Jessa Seewald, two of his confirmed victims.

While Duggar fans will not see Josh on “Counting On” it doesn’t appear he’s shying away from social media. The former reality star smiled for a family portrait on family friend Sierra Jo Dominguez’s Instagram account Tuesday. The shot was taken outside a Chick-fil-A restaurant in their home state of Arkansas. His wife Anna was also included in the image.