Survivor’s Jay Starrett set to appear on dating show Ex on the Beach

Once thought to be the next in the Survivor Golden Boy archetype, Jay Starrett has decided to take a step down and appear on Ex on the Beach instead.

In the great pantheon of reality television shows, MTV’s offerings are typically the lower rung of the entire bunch. Even their highest prestige competitive reality shows such as The Challenge revels in petty in-house drama and dwelling on creating uncomfortable situations between contestants to drive ratings. Where in Survivor the contestants air their grievances in confessionals, shows like Ex on the Beach revel in confrontational drama.

That’s why I almost regret to inform Survivor readers that one of our favorite recent newcomers, Jay Starrett from Millennials vs. Gen X, isn’t returning to reality television for another shot at a million dollars. He technically is returning to the island, but it will likely be an island in Bali, as he is set to appear on MTV’s Ex on the Beach, premiering on December 20 at 8 p.m. ET.

If you’re blissfully unaware about the show’s format (like I was before learning this news), Ex on the Beach features single men and women (mostly reality stars) trying to find new love on an island. However, the twist is that their exes show up, either to spoil their fun or rekindle lost love. Essentially, hot people are either making out or being mean to each other so they get in reality TV fights.

Jay Starrett isn’t even one of the main stars looking for love. Technically, he’s one of the exes, although I would hope he’s not giving up a potential shot at being on Survivor again just so he can be an ass on television. The Singles include Farrah Abraham (the one who stumbled upon Australian Survivor filming), Chad Johnson (not that one), Angela Babicz, Jozea Flores, Morgan Willett, Cheyenne Parker, Maya Benberry, Corey Brooks, Nicole Ramos, Malcolm Drummer and Janella Shanks.

There’s a pattern among the Singles and the Exes; most are from drama-fuelled shows such as The Bachelor(ette), Bachelor in Paradise, (Celebrity) Big Brother, The Challenge, Are You The One? and What Happens at The Abbey. That’s what makes Jay Starrett’s inclusion so jarring; Survivor is much more prestigious of a reality show than the others.

The last remaining hope is that the image Jay built up in Millennials vs. Gen X isn’t tarnished enough that he’s blacklisted or not considered for future seasons. He had a great shot to win, and he’s best suited for more strategic, intelligent reality competitions.