Then we have Ben going at it with Chrissy, which really wasnt portrayed a lot [on the show]. I was constantly like, Oh God. 90 Day Fiance Before the 90 Days Couples: Where are they now? Jeff Probst, get ready. I was constantly thinking those things. I knew Mike had an idol because I found it for him. I loved every dynamic of the game. It was utter chaos. I knew I had Desi and I knew I had Cole. MORE SURVIVOR: HEROES VS. HEALERS VS. HUSTLERS NEWS. Whats the agent called that goes rogue? And you can include Jessica Johnston in that camp. Next would be a swiss army knife so I can cut things like wood, food, and clothes. Lauren, however, we had built a really close relationship. I dont even know where that came from. "It's really unfortunate and embarrassing to admit. ", "Walking into the merge, I knew I had Dr. Mike, Cole and myself. I'm looking for the time of my life! If I had not been so consumed with making sure Ben didnt want to vote out Cole. That sucks. Its just how the game goes. People who love each other do not steal peanut butter from each other, nor do they lie!' That wouldve changed the game wholeheartedly. Desi didnt, and Desi really wasnt in any position to stand up to him. However, when I think about my relationship with Cole I was unable to fix him, so maybe Im not as good as I thought I was (laughs). I am extremely physically and mentally resilient as well as disciplined. And what I feel like was not portrayed was the relationship with Joe that I had from the original Healers tribe, and the relationship I had built with Mike after we got split into Yawa. Occupation: Nurse Practitioner. If any of us needed anything, I know each of us would be there. I applaud all of them. The Bachelor Couples: Where are they now? When I watched the episode last night, the one thing I was surprised about and the one thing I didnt have closure on was at what point did Ben and Lauren decide they were not going to choose to play with me? By visiting this site, you consent to have cookie data stored. They are my biggest fans, and I am theirs. I knew that I could not trust him because he wholeheartedly wanted Cole out. What can I say? Pictured (L-R): Tribe Baka: Owen Knight, Sami Layadi, Mike 'Gabler' Gabler and Tribe Vesi: Noelle Lambert, Dwight Moore, Jesse Lopez, Cody Assenmacher. Pet peeves: Any and all can openersthey just don't work. He was never with someone who was like Joe, youre acting like a fool and youre going to get us voted out. I like to think that I could have been that. Age: 29 All Rights Reserved. Jessica Johnston and Cole Medders were completely infatuated with each other on Survivor. I got married, moved to Washington D.C. for a year, moved back to my home in Louisville, Kentucky, and then started my own business, Optimize U, this past March. Life is busy and crazy, and I wouldn't have it any other way. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. When I sense there is something to be accomplished, my Type A personality comes out! "If I play again, I'm going to be Joe. Its just totally chaos. I thought that the luck ofSurvivorwas coming my way and that was really exciting. The Bachelor Franchise Couples: Who is still together? How do you feel about the edit you got on the show? I obviously made a connection with Cole, but one alliance that I had that really wasnt shown was my connection with Joe. (Laughs.) Bravo. He tweeted last night after the show Jess, you were my #1, which was awesome because we had discussed that before that split. Theres no way they would have infiltrated and Im not sure why I keep saying infiltrated, maybe its because I watched that Navy SEAL show last night. This website has been solely developed and presented by Reality TV World, and is in no way authorized or connected with any network, station affiliate, or broadcasting sponsor. For the first day after the merge we had this period of time where everyone was like one big happy family and hugging each other. 19 'OK, no. On Day 9, Jessica was switched to the Yawa tribe during a Tribe Switch, along with Cole and Mike Zahalsky. I have to go on Survivor. Ben was either going to lead my pack, or he was going to lead his own. The hardest thing was just regretting not making it farther in the game. Pictured (L-R): Karla Cruz Godoy, Mike 'Gabler' Gabler, Owen Knight, Cody Assenmacher, Jesse Lopez, Cassidy Clark and Sami Layadi. For our full review of last nights episode, head over to the link here! I wasnt even on a tribe with her before the merge, but there werent good vibes coming from her. With season 41 of Survivor delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, EW is reaching back into the reality show's past. Kane Fritzler and Carson Garrett on 'Survivor 44', Two Dorky Magnets Tribes must snake their way toward the win for immunity and reward. Clich My parents. Thats what Jessica Johnson felt like going into It came up on the island and it came up in confessionals, and therefore it ended up in the edit. I wasnt making it up! When I left for the game someone in my family was like Jessica, dont align with the good-looking guy and dont make best friends. Crazy blonde is coming out. Again, it sucks to win, right? I literally had three desserts that day. Still, Jessica, who openly discussed her virginity and lack of relationship experience, continued to play with Cole, and declared that she wanted a date after her Mike, youre the father, and we have to take care of our baby.. My tribe, the Healers. Jessica got married on March 30, 2019.All of Jessica's Soko tribemates, as well as some others, attended the wedding. Ultimately, Jessica ended up using the advantage to block Devon Pinto's vote after Levu lost the Day 11 Immunity Challenge, hoping to protect the original Soko members on the tribe. Dancing with the Stars Couples: Who is dating or married to whom? This website has been solely developed and presented by Reality TV World, and is in no way authorized or connected with any network, station affiliate, or broadcasting sponsor. Photo: Robert Voets/CBS 2022 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Cody Assenmacher and Jesse Lopez on 'Survivor 43'. And last night, something really resonated with me. And I knew how close she was with Ben, so she was a personal threat to me, because Im trying to be close with Ben. "Then it became very apparent. (Photo: CBS. Photo: Robert Voets/CBS 2022 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. I remember thinking she is not OK. She is not OK. She does not like competition from other women. I mean, I eye rolled when I saw that. In my opinion, I saw her give that aura. JESSICA JOHNSTON (MATIS): Besides missing the game every day, I've been up to a lot. Jessica quickly reestablished allegiances with original Soko tribemates Joe and Desi Williams, hoping to form a seven-person alliance consisting of herself, Ben, Cole, Desi, Joe, Lauren, and Mike against the contingent of Heroes and Hustlers. Exclusive: Devon Pinto talks 'Survivor' -- I saw my faceoff with Ben Driebergen as an epic opportunity! Exclusive: Desi Williams talks 'Survivor' -- I don't think voting me out was the smart move, but I'm flattered. He cant have two women in his life, right? I didn't have a hard time adjusting coming home. Making a splash: A deep dive into the live-action, Keith Tollefson caught 6 sharks one morning on, Dean Kowalski on why he didn't beat Tommy Sheehan on, Ciera Eastin got facial paralysis from playing, Mike Zahalsky was given a puzzle ultimatum in. Thats what was happening. I said to her: Hey girlfriend! The Louisville, Kentucky, native was so blindsided that she was still recovering from her elimination -- and soothing her shock with pizza for breakfast and ice cream for lunch. We dont need to break it. I was like, Thats my girl! I made best friends, and I hooked up with an eight-pack. It sounds awful because Im sitting here talking to you and I promise Im not like its all about Jessica, but I really thought it was me! EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Probst Rates the Heroes, Healers and Hustlers of 'Survivor' Season 35 -- Watch. Together, they could vote us out. "I'm really embarrassed that I [called myself a Queen Bee], because I think that anybody who has watched the game, they eye rolled. So, theres that. The 50 greatest TV and movie detectives of all time. Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. They have strategy, but they didnt have numbers. I was like, 'You're an idiot! Also, one castaway will spy something hidden in plain sight, on SURVIVOR, Wednesday, Nov. 30 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Whom do you still talk, text, or email with from your season? Jessica Johnston and Cole Medders provided fans with a sweet showmance on the 35th season of the show. All Rights Reserved. I mean, I obviously had more strategy than what was shown, and I wish fans could have seen that. What's your reason for being on Survivor? Dr. Mike wasslightlynot great physically, but definitely a brainiac. Who has split up and divorced? So at the merge, I knew I had a pretty tight relationship with Lauren, not so much with Ben.". Joes concern was that Ben had infiltrated us, because Joe did not trust Ben. He was a surfer dude: Come with me, be my friend. Ryan was super sweet. Cole, are you playing me? I would sell her [to go back on Survivor]," she said. ", On her ideal final 3:"I think at the point that I left the game, Joe would have been a great final 3. Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers, SURVIVOR: HEROES VS. HEALERS VS. HUSTLERS. He just showed his idol. Where are they now? Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. They have shown me what true love means as well as the value of family and having a relationship with Christ. So those were two of my top two people. Due to Yawa's extensive winning streak, Jessica made the merge on Day 17, joining the new Solewa tribe. Jessica seemed hopeful, however, their flame may reignite one day if the stars align. Jessica Johnston wanted it all. Its good to have the sub-alliance within your bigger alliance. All site content is 2000-2019 Reality TV World and may not be republished or reproduced without Reality TV World's expressed written permission. Jessica (who got married after the show and now goes by Jessica Matis) thought her bonds with her fellow Healers would carry her through the game, but her close association with Cole Medders (who kept sharing secrets while not sharing food) eventually did her in, and she was blindsided at the merge on day 19. I should be on this tribe. My initial feeling was that it was awesome, since based on appearance we all looked on point. 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Holmes reportedly files for divorce, Ariana Grande donates Christmas gifts to children in Manchester, Mariah Carey says she never called herself 'Queen of Christmas', Mandy Moore announces baby's birth and shares first photo, 'The Rookie: Feds' gets additional episodes order from ABC, Salma Hayek touches Channing Tatum in first 'Magic Mike 3' movie photo, 'P-Valley' renewed for third season by Starz, 'The Simpsons' raises bar with meta Halloween specials, Taylor Swift releases tenth studio album 'Midnights', Kaley Cuoco expecting a baby girl with boyfriend Tom Pelphrey, The CW to air new Queen Elizabeth II special, Taylor Swift to appear on 'The Tonight Show' after 'Midnights' album release, 'The Crown' Season 5 cast photos released by Netflix, 'Jeopardy! So it is what it is the edit made it look like I talk about my love life all the time and I dont! I was unable to shut my personality down, I aligned with Cole, I made best friends and I got voted out. What is your biggest regret from your Survivor experience? However, she made the decision to go with the majority and it's good for her game. as Jessica Johnston became the Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. I think I would play it a lot differently for sure." Halle Bailey, Melissa McCarthy, and director Rob Marshall share the tale behind making their underwater musical with a groundbreaking Disney princess. After seeing the edits, I would have placed myself with Chrissy. I was totally clouded by my own goal. I made great friends with Roark and Desi and we talked about making a womens alliance, which was great. United States Im just really open. Jessica Johnston I wouldn't make any change. First it would be baby powder because it makes my hair do incredible things and brightens up the face. Bookmarkour season 35 one-stop shopto make sure you dont miss out on any of it. I am extremely physically and mentally resilient as well as disciplined. Occupation: Nurse Practitioner, WATCH: Meet Survivor 35 Castaway Jessica Johnston. Three words to describe you: Tenacious, congenial, and adventurous. I was the one who told Cole to go to Ben and apologize for eating the cinnamon sticks. Oh my God, yeah. Am I going to get defensive and say, No, I wasnt in a showmance! Absolutely not. (Laughs.). If you could have three things on the island, what would they be and why? (Laughs.) Really, everything you see as a viewer happens on the island. While her journey didn't last as long as she hoped, she still treasures her experience on the island, noting that "I had an absolute blast." Oh god. Bravo, Joe. (Joe did end up playing one.). Anything that Cole was doing I was making excuses for and I was cleaning up his trash. But does that really happen all the time on Survivor? Walk me through Tribal Council your first and only, tragically. In this exit interview we speak more with Jessica regarding what happened after the merge, what she did right in the game, and the awkwardness that comes with having so many people ask about her personal life after growing close with Cole in the game. she continued. Sandra [Diaz-Twine]. Hometown: Cape Girardeau, Mo. We learned that when the eliminated Jessica called into EW Morning Live (Entertainment Weekly Radio, SiriusXM, channel 105), and you can now hear the entire interview on the EW Morning Live podcast. And if Cole and I had made it to the end, I think that I certainly would have beat Cole. All logos and trademarks presented are property of their respective owner. Jessica was the first person Absolutely. Hiding in Plain Sight As the tide rises and falls, castaways hold their breath to find out who will win the immunity challenge. This is not the time or place to be saying these things!. They both have devoted their lives to helping others. Im good. Its time to say goodbye to another Healer or as one of the other Healers might say: Deuces.. Im now in this situation where hes a number, I havent been put to the test yet, our alliance and loyalty hasnt been tried yet because we kept freaking winning. Showmances never work. And look what the freak I did. It's amazing that even in a game full of lies, mistrust, and backstabbing you can really sense who is going to be loyal to a point because as we all know, loyalty will not always get you to the end. The couple loved to talk on the beach and go fishing together, and they were viewed as a power couple by their fellow castaways. I had to touch base with Joe to make sure, listen, were still good. Clearly, I should have been arguing! Was playing the game at the merge as crazy as you expected? Someone was like, Jessica, would you have really written his name down? Are you kidding me? "I try not to own things. Is this going to ruin my game and if this is real, do I care if it ruins my game? So Im assuming that you want to go back and play again. Exclusive: Cole Medders talks -- 'Survivor' painted me as a pariah like Joe Mena, but that wasn't the case, Exclusive: Cole Medders talks 'Survivor' -- I went into Tribal Council almost 100% sure I was going home, 'Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers' recap: Cole Medders voted out of Solewa tribe. Has the '90 Day Fiance: The Other Way' couple split up? She wanted the money and the man. Did you feel that way out there, and how were you able to balance so much information coming to you from different people without ever blowing up your spot? The one where EW follows up with the cast. I knew I had built a great bond with my tribe, and I assumed no one else saw me as a threat. It wasnt in my head! I brought that part of that personality into the game and while it was a huge benefit, it also ended up being my downfall. My other two members of the new Yawa, Ben and Lauren I knew Ben was partly defected. All site content is 2000-2019 Reality TV World and may not be republished or reproduced without Reality TV World's expressed written permission. I had an absolute blast. I didnt feel a whole lot of competition from him. Im just sitting there thinking, Thank God its not me. I really just wanted to protect my game. You don't even think about saving yourself and there are things I think I could have done if I had even suspected myself at all and I didn't. Which showmance couples broke up? Next would be a swiss army knife so I can cut things like wood, food, and clothes. Ive already read other interviews saying that you and Cole are friends now after the game, so I want to ask something a little bit different than just asking if you two are together. I do not remember that coming out of my mouth. It didnt dawn on me that that relationship was so broken. After winning the Reward Challenge that day, Jessica found an advantage in her chip bag, which allowed her to prevent a player from voting at the next Tribal Council. I would have leaned over to Mike and I would have said, You have got to play that idol for me. I hope he would have. Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers Contestants, Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers, https://www.facebook.com/jessica.johnston.1840/about?lst=100000038483476%3A51804635%3A1508427705, https://www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/cast/215716/, https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10102493953639229&id=51804635&set=pb.51804635.-2207520000..&source=42, https://www.reddit.com/r/survivor/comments/b4naes, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Exclusive: Ben Driebergen talks 'Survivor' idols, advantages and twists -- "Everything is fair" in the game! Im super assertive. Jessica and Cole's showmance at first seemed like something out of a fairy tale (if fairy tales were set in Fiji, with a bunch of Americans who haven't showered in weeks fighting for $1 million) -- but took a turn as Cole proved he couldn't keep a secret, or jive with the rest of the group. "Like, there was no escape for me. The queen bee. 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Cole ended up being the opposite of what everybody thought. Big Brother Showmance Couples: Where are they now? This isn't real love. It hurt, but I give [Lauren and Ben] both a hand clap for the decision they made," Jessica admitted. Exclusive: Mike Zahalsky talks 'Survivor' -- Why I voted for Chrissy Hofbeck and thought I could win the game. (Laughs.) I can relate to thinking that the world is at my fingertips, but really I don't like to compare myself to others. Jessica began the season on the Soko tribe. Though the new majority initially planned to target Cole or Joe, they eventually decided to vote against Jessica, believing her to be the least likely to possess a Hidden Immunity Idol. Again, it sucks to win. Because guess what? Votes Against I was then like okay, Im no longer going to be Coles girlfriend. What's your personal claim to fame? hosts Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik: "There's no imitating" Alex Trebek, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette Facebook Group. The Bachelor Franchise Couples: Who is still together? 'Survivor' host Jeff Probst explains Season 41's big finale changes, including pre-filmed winner reveal! The morning after her exit episode, heres what Nurse Jessica has to say about getting voted out right at the top of the merge, her vision for how the game should have gone moving forward, the truth behind her apparent showmance with Cole, the dish on several different active players, and more. ", "But then, what do you do when you realize that you have entangled yourself in this relationship? The Rookie season 6: Will a 9-1-1 crossover happen? I think I could have knocked her out of the water if I had made it to the end with her. If I even had an inclination it was my name, I would have been a total crazy person. Jessica Yeah! So when I watched last night, it truly made my heart happy to see that she really tried to stick with us. And for more EW Morning Live podcast news, follow us on Twitter @EWMLPodcast. In the same breath, my sanguine personality always stands out as being a super-social optimist, which will give me favor with the other players. Not a bad group to see new parts of the world with, even if all seven would most certainly rather be in the hunt for the million dollars. Obviously, that did not work out for me. Like, that's not what love is. 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One of the reasons I think, regrettably, that it was a good move for them to take you out was because I feel like you were the glue between a lot of different people. At that time, I knew Joe had an idol. "My problem was my judgment was so clouded, because all I did was pick up Cole's trash at the merge.". I got two pieces of advice before I came out and played this game. Did you ever expect that? Going into the merge, I was 100 percent confident that as far as the Healers, Joe and Desi would come back with us. Really hoping that happens for me in life! EXCLUSIVE: Roark Luskin on the 'Survivor' Rules She Should Have Followed, "How I got onSurvivorwas literally luck so I'm thinking, 'Why not?