MTV’s hit reality competition series The Challenge is currently airing the 25th season of the show. This season features a new format — “Free Agents”. This allows the competitors both veteran and rookie to compete for themselves for an impressive grand prize. With no partners or teams to hold them back, the contestants can finally prove once and for all that they have what it takes.
Jessica McCain has proven herself this season as a fierce competitor and not someone to be underestimated. With the season finale airing this Thursday on MTV, we had the chance to chat with Jessica about her time on the show, her favorite memories with the cast, and what fans can expect from her next.
Read on for our exclusive interview with Jessica McCain below:
So, that was some elimination round! You definitely gave Cara Maria a run for her money and put up quite a fight. How does it feel to prove those who underestimated you wrong?
Jessica McCain: Walking away from the elimination round was a tough hit to my heart but in a way, I feel I walked away with a win because of the respect I earned from those rooting against me. It didn’t feel like such an empty loss but more of a thorough seasoning as a rookie.
You’ve talked in the past about your transformation into a healthier lifestyle and bringing more fitness into your life. As someone who is already a strong and beautiful competitor, can you talk a little about what inspired you to make a change?
I was 129lbs pre-Real World and then gained a bunch of weight filming which was heart breaking. I’ve always been athletic and in to sports but when you grow up you have to work a little harder to stay in shape. Post-Real World I was inspired by my own weight loss journey to help others as well!
Were you excited that this was finally a Challenge format that meant you could rely on yourself instead of others?
Going in to this Challenge I was extremely nervous about the pairings, so when TJ said “Free Agents” my inner competitor did a little victory dance! That meant that I could show my castmates and America that I’m not just a pretty face but a force to be reckoned with!
Was there anything you were nervous about going into this Challenge or a type of Challenge you were dreading having to do?
Anything with heights always shakes me up a bit. As you can see from most of the Challenge, MTV loves heights which usually leaves me terrified and spewing profanities(sorry y’all!!!!) which I am working on lol. But the wall elimination round haunted my sleep. I was so happy I didn’t have to do that one!!
What would you say your strengths and weaknesses were going into The Challenge?
Strengths in the game would be my physical ability, strength in my legs for sure! Weaknesses were politics and arm strength. Being so transparent and innocent so it’s hard to have people fooled in this political game!
Before appearing on the show, were you a fan of The Challenges on MTV?
I had actually never watched shows on MTV and sadly, still I’ve only seen my seasons of the Real World and The Challenge.
How crazy do things really get in the house? How do you pass the time?
Sleeping is a favorite way to pass the time, but all too often you find someone to cling to and you create this comfort zone with them to pass time. They don’t let us listen to music or read so that puts a damper on things. Talking to people is a favorite of mine but some of my castmates aren’t so welcoming to boredom chatter, all depends on who you are with, some love to drink all the time and as you know it gets wild!!
Do you have any favorite memories from hanging out with the cast or a favorite Challenge moment from the past?
One of my favorite memories from Rivals 2 was when Cara came in the house. Cara was sitting all by herself on the steps so I plopped down beside her and we had a real conversation. It’s nice to have warm moments like that in the house, I found the same comfort with Laurel on Free Agents and grew to see them like sisters. Diem is another gal in the house that I’ve shared talks with and she is just so sweet she brightens every house up!
Do you keep in touch with anyone from the show?
Occasionally I chat with Laurel or Cara. Latoya and I are friends outside of the show now and have spent a couple weekends stirring up troubles and doing interviews together. She is such a spunky sweetheart with a beautiful soul!
Is there anything that fans didn’t get to see that you wish MTV had included?
You guys don’t get to see the depth of some conversations and connections between people which kinda stinks but they can’t show it all.
Finally: will you be back for another Challenge? What else can fans look forward to from you next?
I hope so! I love doing the Challenges– they’re such a great opportunity for us. Fans can just look forward to seeing me in the future doing my best, fighting my hardest and hopefully taking home the win for my Grandparents! They’re who I fight so hard for on these challenges.
We’d like to thank Jessica McCain for taking the time to answer some questions for us. We really appreciate it!
Be sure to keep up to date with Jessica by following her on Twitter @MTVJess.
Don’t forget to tune in to the season finale of The Challenge: Free Agents, Thursdays at 10 pm on MTV.
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