Was Rachael Kirkconnell Offered Bachelorette Role? The Truth

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Rachael Kirkconnell is ready to plant seeds elsewhere.

Although Taylor Frankie Paul, known from “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” has been chosen as the Bachelorette for the upcoming 22nd season, Rachael has consistently shown no inclination towards seeking the limelight.

She shared with TopMob News at the Raising Cane’s NYFW Show on September 10th that she enjoys watching events unfold from a distance. She appreciates being able to support from afar, but she isn’t sure if she could handle participating again, particularly as the main figure.

Regarding the whispers about ABC offering her the part, she made it clear that “there’s no basis to those rumors, not in relation to The Bachelorette.

Despite parting ways with Matt James in January, as confirmed by Rachael, she hasn’t fully ruled out the possibility of a future reunion. She stated, “I would never say never,” yet expresses uncertainty about whether such a relationship is suitable for her at this time.

Instead, she’s ready to cheer Taylor on, and she’s ready for the switch up that her casting brings.

The 28-year-old expressed great enthusiasm. She finds it intriguing to have a newcomer join the show, and she wishes her the very best. She believes this change will add some freshness and thinks the new participant is going to do great. It’s all set to be an entertaining experience.

In a similar vein, Taylor, who gained popularity through the Hulu reality show, admitted that the recent news has yet to fully register with them.

She explained to Alex Cooper during their September 10th podcast of ‘Call Her Daddy’ that it hadn’t felt genuine to her yet. She said it wouldn’t feel real until the limousine arrives and she meets the people.

Apart from expressing her feeling of nervousness, the 31-year-old also pondered aloud, “Gosh, how did I end up here? It’s almost as if my mind is asking, ‘How on earth is this happening?’

Taylor, a mother of Indy (aged 8) and Ocean (5), who shares children Tate Paul, Ever (18 months old) with one ex-partner, and Dakota Mortensen with another, has often voiced her interest in becoming part of Bachelor Nation throughout the years. However, she never imagined that her humor would lead to a genuine outcome.

Initially, it seemed impossible to me, but then I started hearing whispers and we convened for a discussion. Even after that, I remained skeptical until I received an invitation that read, ‘Would you grace us as our Bachelorette?’

For fans who cherish “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”, take comfort – Taylor has assured us that she’ll continue working on both series.

Before the new season of The Bachelorette starts, be sure to stay updated with the lives of your favorite Bachelor alumni by continuing to read.

-Reporting by Nikaline McCarley

Status: Engaged

Spencer Conley, who charmed Jenn Tran with his “golden retriever energy” on The Bachelorette, apparently found a great match during the 10th season of Bachelor in Paradise. He shared a glimpse of himself and Jess Edwards (who made an impression on Bachelor Joey Graziadei’s heart) on Instagram Stories in August 2025, hinting that they were developing feelings for each other – Bachelor parlance for he hadn’t yet declared “I love you” – and proudly proclaimed that he had already triumphed.

1. In a playful post on her primary platform, Jess expressed, “I’m just a bit excited about this guy and other things.”

2. Their smiles were undeniable as they opted for their relationship over a $250,000 reward, then received an unexpected check worth $190,000 upon getting engaged and leaving the show.

3. Jess explained, “All that we’ve experienced together has brought us to this very moment.”

4. The future holds Dallas for her, as the series revealed her intentions to relocate there to be with Spencer, following their love story.

Status: Dating

On Instagram in August 2025, Bailey Taylor Brown expressed that her first date with Jeremy Simon during Paradise’s 10th season was her best one yet – perhaps even the last one. Bailey, a social media manager who initially pursued Grant Ellis’ heart, and Jeremy, a real estate investor who nearly won over Bachelorette Jenn, survived their most intense argument ever when she discovered he had second thoughts about sending Susie Evans home. Despite their dramatic spat, their connection in Costa Rica grew stronger. Although they were sent home during the Bachelor in Paradise finale, they continued their relationship off-camera. Intriguingly, the show revealed that they’ve already met each other’s families and are planning to relocate to the same city.

Status: Dating

It appears that the bond between Andrew Spencer, one of Katie Thurston’s suitors from Paradise season 10, and Alexe Godin (from Grant’s season) has remained exceptionally strong after the show. Just six days after the Chicago-based football player affectionately referred to the pediatric speech therapist as “my love” in an August 2025 Instagram post, she returned the sentiment by calling him “my dear” in her own message.

Interestingly, despite choosing love over the $250,000 prize during the Bachelor in Paradise finale, they still managed to take home $125,000 with them.

Alexe exclaimed, “This is incredibly surprising!” He added, “I’m departing with more than just money-with love, a treasure beyond compare.” Meanwhile, the show hinted at their intentions as they prepared to relocate to Chicago alongside Andrew.

Status: Dating

During the finale of Bachelor in Paradise, there was a tense moment between Kat and Dale when Sean McLaughlin, a former contestant, accused Kat of hiding a laptop and sending love letters to an ex-lover while on the show. However, Kat, who is a nurse practitioner, firmly denied any contact with him during her time in Paradise. She clarified, “Were me and my ex still involved before this? Yes, because I didn’t expect to meet anyone here.”

Despite being sent home before the final test of Bachelor in Paradise, Kat and Dale’s relationship continued to grow. The show later revealed that the alum from Zach Shallcross’ season and the former contestant from Clare Crawley’s had traveled across the U.S together and were making plans for their future, including moving closer to each other.

Dale wrote under Kat’s August 2025 Instagram post, “There were challenging moments, but we faced them side by side…and looking back, I wouldn’t want to alter anything.

Status: Just friends—for now 

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but express my excitement over the intriguing development between “Golden Bachelorette” alum Gary Levingston and Leslie Fhima, who was a runner-up for “Golden Bachelor” Gerry Turner’s affection on their season of the show. Their sparkle seemed undeniable when they were voted off “Bachelor in Paradise” Season 10, even hinting at creating fresh memories together in a heartwarming post-elimination video on social media. However, the mysterious allure of the former Prince’s muse has left me questioning if she’s ready to embark on a romantic journey with him.

During her August 2025 interview on Bachelor Happy Hour, she confided that Gary and she communicate frequently. She admitted that at the moment, Gary is undeniably one of her closest friends. If she encounters any difficulties, she reaches out to him for support. He often helps her navigate through challenging times, serving as a comforting presence. They are consistently there for each other, with a mutual understanding that they stand by each other’s side.

Although she recognizes that the vast distance between them (living in Minnesota while he resides in California) adds complexity, she remains optimistic about their situation. She further emphasized, “For me, a crucial aspect of any relationship, particularly romantic ones, is fostering friendship first. I aspire to be with my best friend as we grow older.

Status: Dating

In the TV show “The Bachelorette,” Kim Buike, who was the head mansion man on “Golden Bachelorette,” formed a musical partnership with Faith Martin, who received Gerry Turner’s first impression rose. Although they were eliminated during season 10 of “Paradise,” they remained together and shared some beautiful moments. In August 2025, Faith posted a video on Instagram showcasing a romantic hometown date with Kim in Washington, where he had retired as a navy captain.

After their elimination from Paradise, Faith couldn’t help but praise the individual’s character, commenting that it was simply extraordinary. As for the bond between them, Kim added that they both acknowledged having formed a powerful connection while in the show, and they were looking forward to nurturing it further once they left.

Status: Separation

Grant encountered 25 potential romantic matches on his debut night at the Bachelor mansion, but it was Juliana Pasquarosa who eventually received his final rose. Regrettably, the duo announced their separation just under three months following the airing of their proposal.

On June 13, Grant shared on his Instagram Story that he and Juliana had made a difficult decision – to end their relationship. Despite their best efforts and significant investment of love, they realized through thoughtful discussions that their long-term compatibility isn’t ideal.

Status: In a Relationship

Initially, Joan Vassos gained recognition during the premiere season of “The Golden Bachelor.” She had to prematurely leave Gerry Turner’s season. However, her journey continued on the first season of “The Golden Bachelorette,” where she encountered and ultimately got engaged to contestant Chock Chapple.

Joan expressed on The Golden Bachelorette’s November 2024 finale that despite any challenges life brings our way, there remains hope, even at our advanced age. In a breathtaking setting, she then conveyed her feelings by saying, “I have been holding onto this for so long, and I wanted to share it with you in this magical location. I am telling you now that I am deeply in love with you, and I desire nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. I yearn to begin each day by your side and to end each day with a goodnight kiss from you.

In the final episode of season 21 of The Bachelorette, it seemed like former Bachelor contestant Jenn Tran was headed for a happily ever after with her final choice, Devin Strader. However, Jenn disclosed during After the Final Rose in September 2024 that Devin distanced himself from her as soon as filming ended.

During the September 3rd show, Jenn explained to host Jesse Palmer that the man she was with would make grand declarations of affection one day, but the next day would act as if nothing had happened and deny ever having loved her. She expressed that all the promises he had made to her, and the love he had once professed to give her, seemed to disappear.

The events took an interesting turn as Devin decided to share his perspective through a 13-minute video on Instagram. In this post, not only did he acknowledge responsibility, but he also explained the reasons behind ending the relationship during a 15-minute conversation over the phone.

Instead of claiming she accused him of ending their relationship over the phone in August, he mentioned that she asked him why things weren’t right and sought a face-to-face conversation while he was trying to figure out how to tell her about the breakup in person.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that statement as follows: “Given the circumstances, I found myself at a loss for words and felt it was best to share my thoughts with you face-to-face. Circumstances seemed to have hastened the revelation, in essence, she inadvertently compelled me to act.

Subsequently, Jenn gracefully moved towards “Dancing With the Stars” and found herself embraced by her partner, Sasha Farber. Despite their dismissal in October 2024, they persisted with their dance partnership; however, they parted ways in 2025.

In the November 2022 finale of “Bachelor in Paradise,” Greg Grippo, a contestant from Katie Thurston’s season of “The Bachelorette” a year prior, and Victoria Fuller declared that they were an item. However, in April 2024, he disclosed that their relationship had ended.

Prior to Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo confirming their relationship during the finale of Bachelor in Paradise’s eighth season, Victoria Fuller and Johnny DePhillipo had previously ended their engagement.

Marital Status: Divorced (as of now)

Gerry and Theresa Nist got engaged in November 2023, during the finale of the first season of the Golden Bachelor, but they divorced after getting married in a televised ceremony held in January 2024.

However, three months after their nuptials, the couple announced that they were breaking up.

Gerry mentioned during their appearance together on Good Morning America with Theresa in April 2024, that they’ve had numerous deep talks and carefully examined their circumstances, including their living situation. He went on to say that after much thought, they both agree it’s likely best for them to end their marriage.

They reached a divorce settlement in June 2024, according to court records reviewed by TopMob News.

In April 2025, Gerry disclosed during the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast that he had started seeing someone new and things were going smoothly.

State: In a Relationship

After going through 32 potential partners, tennis player Joey finally found his ideal partner in project manager Kelsey Anderson. “I can’t wait any longer to express my feelings for you,” Joey said to the one he gave his final rose, during the finale of his season in March 2024. “There’s something about you… You have this contagious energy that makes me happy. It’s a sensation I’ve never experienced before.”

Reflecting on their future together, he added, “I’ve always wanted a beautiful life, but I didn’t truly comprehend how beautiful it could be until I met you.

John Henry Spurlock, an underwater welder who was among Charity Lawson’s suitors, and Kat, a nurse who had previously competed for Zach Shallcross’ heart, didn’t find a connection until the middle of season nine of “Bachelor in Paradise”. However, they were ready to take a chance and dive headfirst into their relationship. “I’m going to attempt something a bit unusual,” he said while presenting an Ascher cut Neil Lane diamond ring. “Today, I am following my heart. My heart tells me that you are wonderful, you are everything I’ve been searching for.”

However, just days after the season finale aired, they announced that they were no longer seeing a future together. “Although our lives are taking us down separate paths due to conflicting career goals,” they stated in a joint Instagram post, “we are thankful for the love and support we’ve received from our families, friends, and ‘Bachelor Nation’.

Current Situation: Separation

In spite of her apprehensions about a proposal during Paradise, Eliza Isichei (one of Clayton Echard’s former partners) graciously accepted Aaron Bryant’s oceanfront proposal, dressed in all white. Moved by the fact that he sought approval from her mother, she exclaimed, “I knew I was not in control of what words would leave my mouth.”

The final episode concluded with a nod to Eliza’s past relationship and marketing manager status experiencing some challenges post their trip to Mexico. A few days later, they announced their official separation.

On Instagram, December 2023, he expressed, “Navigating these complex feelings as it all unfolds. We’re parting ways amicably, with nothing but positivity and mutual respect for each other.

Despite postpartum nurse Kylee Russell regretting Aven Jones’ reluctance to propose traditionally (on bended knee), an action he apparently intended to carry out during his time with Bachelorette Rachel Recchia, she eventually agreed to Aven’s proposal on “Paradise,” deciding to leave their past behind and make things work.

Though this meant her chosen engagement dress remained unused, she felt compelled to do what she believed was right, stating that love involves taking risks.

Two days after the December 2023 finale aired, she shared on her Instagram Stories that their relationship had ended due to multiple instances of infidelity. Later, Aven issued an apology to Kylee via social media, acknowledging his mistakes and expressing regret for the pain he caused her.

Status: Engaged

Charity Lawson playfully shared with TopMob News her excitement about the season’s outcome, a sentiment that barely captured the magnitude of her August 2023 finale. In a romantic gesture, integrative medicine specialist Dotun Olubeko got down on one knee and expressed their love as “perfect,” asking Charity, a child and family therapist, “Will you agree to make this fairy tale come true?”

Although their future ‘happily ever after’ is still to unfold-the couple plans a 2025 or 2026 wedding-Charity will first grace the dance floor on Dancing With the Stars. “Well, darling,” Dotun told Charity on The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose. “Since you enjoy joking around, dancing, and having a good time, you know we’ve talked about this-about how fantastic this opportunity would be. And I am thrilled to be the one to tell you that you’re going to appear on Dancing With the Stars! Let’s do this together!

 

Status: Married (can be rephrased as): Zach found his happily ever after. Despite some bumps along the way during Fantasy Suite episodes, Bachelor Zach Shallcross proposed to travel nurse Kaity Biggar in March 2023. With a heart full of love, he declared, “I am deeply in love with you. You are my universe. The affection I have for you is something I never thought possible.” In July 2023, the couple from Texas announced on Instagram that they had moved in together, becoming official roommates.

On May 23, 2025, they got married at a quaint chapel celebration, as Kaity referred to it. Despite their initial plans for a grander event, Kaity shared on the June 2025 episode of the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast that she felt it wasn’t necessary. She explained that her main focus was preserving the authentic love and bond between them, feeling that she was overemphasizing minor details instead.

However, one significant aspect captivated her – the aunt who recommended her for vying for Zach’s affection discovered the church in the Austin area where their nuptials took place. Kaity expressed her delight, saying, “It was ideal.

Current Status: Broke Up

Ah, Danielle Maltby and Michael Allio, two reality show stars who seemed destined for a fairytale romance. Despite parting ways during season seven of BIP without Neil Lane diamonds, both were seen as potential couple goals due to their heartwrenching backstories – Danielle having lost her fiancé to drug overdose before appearing on Nick Viall’s season, and Michael being a single dad to 7-year-old James.

However, a year after Danielle moved from Nashville to Ohio to be with Michael, they announced their separation. In a September 2023 episode of Jason Tartick’s Trading Secrets podcast, Michael shared the news, expressing his sadness over their failed relationship: “We both invested so much into this partnership and it’s heartbreaking when things don’t pan out. When relationships don’t work out, you grieve not only for the person and the friendship lost, but also for the future you had imagined together.

Brandon Jones declared his eternal love for Serene Russell during season seven of ‘Paradise’, stating, “I will love you till time’s end, until my final breath, and I wish to spend eternity with you.” Unfortunately, their journey together was not meant to last. Just five months after their engagement aired on television, they announced their separation in a joint statement released in May 2023. In this difficult moment, they shared their struggles trying to maintain their relationship privately amidst public scrutiny. “We have experienced immense pain and it is hard to accept,” they wrote on Instagram. “All we ask is that there be no animosity.

Relationship Status: Put on Hold

Rachel’s relationship with general contractor Tino Franco encountered a halt when he was caught kissing another woman during their 2022 season broadcast. On The Viall Files, he expressed remorse, saying, “I in no way condone my actions. It was not right, it was unfair to Rachel, and I regret it deeply every day. I’m ashamed of what I did and if I could go back and change it, I would a million times over.

In summary, Susie Evans and Clayton Echard, who were initially at odds during the 2022 Bachelor finale, eventually reconciled off-camera, only to part ways again six months later. Despite their breakup, Susie, a videographer based in Los Angeles, maintains that it was for the best. In a November 2022 post on her blog “Susie Was Like,” she expressed that her vitality seemed to fade and she wasn’t flourishing as she should. She admitted they experienced many happy moments, but deep down, she was grappling with challenges and felt out of sync with the ideal version of herself.

Susie began dating Justin Glaze, a participant from Bachelor Nation, but later revealed their separation occurred in August 2024.

Status: Separated

Minnesota elementary school teacher Michelle got a Neil Lane sparkler from Texas-based sales exec Nayte Olukoya, as well as a $200,000 check from producers to contribute towards their future home. However, the couple didn’t seem to have the ideal connection, and they announced their split six months after their season finale aired in December 2021.

On The Viall Files, Nayte confessed that there were many ups and downs, frequent arguments, fights, and ultimately a lack of compatibility as he and Michelle didn’t see eye-to-eye. Despite this, Nayte admitted that not having the final split conversation in person was “immature.”

Michelle began dating Jack Leius in 2023, and they announced their engagement the following year. Their wedding took place in Minnesota in June 2025.

In simpler terms, the status is that Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian, who were a couple from Bachelor in Paradise season 7, have decided to part ways. They announced this jointly in January 2022, stating that they didn’t anticipate needing to do so, but they now need to focus on their personal growth separately. Maurissa was previously involved with Peter Weber, while Riley was a suitor of Tayshia Adams.

Status: Split

The initial same-sex couple from the Bachelor universe got engaged during season six of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, however, they revealed their separation on Halloween in 2019.

In their joint Instagram post, they expressed that love and concern for each other have been the foundation of their relationship since the beginning. However, they prioritize what’s best for both of them moving forward. With great affection for one another, they announced their decision to step back from the relationship temporarily. This choice is aimed at allowing both individuals to grow independently, ultimately seeking what is most beneficial for their long-term well-being.

Status: Engaged

Though Noah Erb and Abigail Heringer ended their relationship during the seventh season of the Bachelorette in Mexico, they found that they had a deep connection that was hard to ignore. After settling in San Diego, Noah (a travel nurse who competed for Tayshia’s heart) and Abigail (a financial manager who received Matt James’ first impression rose) recently purchased a home in his hometown of Tulsa.

In July 2023, Abigail excitedly announced on Instagram that she had bought her very first house, writing: “About to enter our Chip and Joanna Gaines era because your girl bought her very first house!!!” She continued by expressing her excitement about starting a new chapter in their lives and creating memories together.

Ahead of their move, Noah proposed at a beachfront San Diego home in August 2023, marking the start of their wedding planning process.

In my expert opinion as a lifestyle advisor, I’d say it’s always smart to rehearse the big day before diving in headfirst. That’s exactly what Serena Pitt and Joe Amabile, two well-known names from the Bachelor universe, did. After their whirlwind journey on Paradise last year, they decided to take a spontaneous step towards forever by exchanging vows at City Hall, right here in New York City. Fast forward to October 2022, and there they were, officially “JUST MARRIED”! Serena, now co-hosting the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast with her new husband, proudly shared this intimate moment on video. Although they’re still planning a grand wedding in September, who wouldn’t want to experience the magic of matrimony twice?

Status: Married

“Kenny Braasch, a renowned boy band manager, expressed his deep affection for Mari Pepin by saying, ‘I am so madly in love with you,’ as he placed a stunning Neil Lane diamond ring on her finger during the 2021 finale of Paradise. ‘And I honestly can’t envision my life without you,’ he added.

With their shared affection growing stronger, the Maryland beauty queen relocated to Kenny’s hometown of Chicago and began planning their future together. Their journey culminated in a beautiful oceanfront wedding ceremony with 65 guests in Puerto Rico in November 2023. Prior to their grand nuptials, they made their commitment to one another even more permanent by getting matching tattoos during a trip to the Bahamas in May 2023.

Status: Married

Becca Kufrin, who was previously the Bachelorette, and Thomas Jacobs (a contestant from Katie Thurston’s season) became a couple on ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ season seven in 2021. They split during the show, but reconciled after filming ended. In May 2022, they announced their engagement with Becca being the one to pop the question. “I hope that people can feel empowered to break the rules,” she told TopMob News. In October 2022, Thomas reciprocated her gesture. In September 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son named Benson. On Instagram, Becca wrote, “There aren’t enough words to express the love and awe we have for this little guy.” Weeks after welcoming Benson, they got married in an impromptu ceremony on October 13, 2023.

Status: Split

In the final episode of season 17 of “The Bachelorette” in 2021, Katie became engaged to Blake Moynes. Their affection for each other was first openly expressed during their overnight date that included a paintball adventure, a cowboy tub experience, and a heartfelt conversation under the night sky.

In an effort to express my heartfelt sentiments, I kneeled before Katie and declared, “Your worth is beyond measure, and I am thrilled to pledge my daily devotion and unwavering support to you in all that lies ahead.

Approximately three months following the broadcast of their proposal, the couple revealed their separation. In synchronized statements, they expressed, “We are deeply thankful for the precious moments we spent together and the remarkable experience we’ve had this year. However, we have come to realize that we aren’t suited as life partners. It is with kindness towards each other that we decide to advance separately.”

Now, she is wedded to comedian Jeff Arcuri.

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2025-09-10 19:48