The Duggars Update: Jim Bob Duggar "Wants to Return to TV" as Daughters Jill and Jessa Get TLC Specials

Jill and Jessa Duggar
Jill and Jessa Duggar |

As more Duggar headlines come up, especially with Jessa Duggar Seewald being expected to give birth any day now, there have been reports that certain members of the clan are requesting to have key roles in the upcoming TV specials that will focus on Jessa and her sister, Jill Duggar-Dillard.

Having to deal with a rough year after the cancellation of their own reality hit series '19 Kids and Counting' as well as Josh Duggar's molestation and cheating scandals, the tension behind the upcoming shows has reportedly taken its toll on certain family members.

"Jill and Jessa having their own show is really dividing the family," a "family insider" told Life & Style.

The magazine also states that the family's patriarch, Jim Bob Duggar, remains upset over the cancellation of "19 Kids and Counting' and aims to make a cameo on "Jill & Jessa: Counting On.' Jill and Jessa's father is reportedly seeking to "reclaim the Duggar name."

"The family fortune has taken massive hit and he's fighting back," the insider added.

The 50-year-old patriarch was rumored to have disapproved of the new spinoff after TLC pulled '19 Kids and Counting' off air following Josh's molestation controversies. When the network came forward with the concept of Jill and Jessa starring on their own reality TV series, which would be centered on their lives, their father was not included in the project.

"He absolutely want to be back on TV and was never thrilled about the show suddenly shifting focus," a source told People Magazine. The insider also claimed that such family drama has brought on high levels of stress for Jessa, who was supposed to welcome her first child with husband Ben Seewald this weekend.

Nonetheless, majority of the Duggar family was present at Jessa's co-ed baby shower last month, and, according to reports, TLC's camera crew had been present for the event, which is expected to be featured in the new three-part special.

Aside from Jessa's preparations for the arrival of her bundle of joy, the upcoming project will also follow Jill and husband Derick Dillard as they go on their mission trip in Central America.

 "After some challenging months Jill Dillard and Jessa Seewald are ready to look towards the future," the official summary states. ""Jill & Jessa: Counting On' follows the lives of the sisters as they navigate adulthood and the changes that come with it "¦ We're excited to see what's in store for the young couples."

"Jill & Jessa: Counting On' is expected to premiere in December.