Rachael Kirkconnell is speaking out.
Two weeks after my four-year relationship with Matt James, whom I met and fell for during season 25 of The Bachelor in 2021, came to an end, I’ve decided it’s time to share my thoughts on this unexpected split. I want to clear up any rumors that may have been circulating about infidelity not being a factor in our separation.
Regarding rumors about the ending of her relationship with Matt, 33, due to accusations of infidelity, Rachel clarified to TMZ on January 28 that there was absolutely no truth to it.
Although she emphasized that she wouldn’t reconcile with Matt, the 28-year-old wasn’t prepared yet to disclose the specifics of their broken relationship—for the time being.
As I delve deeper, you’ll soon find the answers unfolding, and rest assured, I’ll share them when the time is right. For now, let me reassure you that I’m prioritizing my tranquility.
How has she been coping since the announcement? Rachel indicated that she’s managing okay, saying she’s “keeping strong.
“It’s nothing that you can prepare for,” she added, “so, yeah, you just take it one day at a time.”
Two weeks prior to Rachael’s latest announcement, Matt made a mysterious statement indicating that he and the celebrity from reality TV were no longer together.
On Instagram, January 16th, he prayed: ‘Dear Heavenly Father, grant Rachel and me the fortitude to heal our shattered hearts. Grant us a tranquility regarding our decision to part ways, a serenity beyond human comprehension.’ Accompanying this was a picture from our first encounter on ABC’s show.
After Matt announced their breakup, Rachael – who had been highlighted in some of Matt’s TikTok posts within the past 24 hours – didn’t directly address his message. However, she did show appreciation for various social media comments discussing their split, such as one that proposed she was taken aback by the choice to end the relationship.
Not long after, it was her sister, Trinity Kirkconnell, who voiced her thoughts on the speculations as well. She mentioned that at the time Matt posted those TikToks with Rachael, they were indeed still together as a couple.
She stated in her January 16th TikTok comment, “They were still together at the time he was posting all of it, just for clarity on the sequence of events.
To check in on where more Bachelor Nation couples stand, keep reading.
Status: Engaged
Following her stint on the inaugural season of “The Golden Bachelor” and an early exit from Gerry Turner’s season, Joan Vassos took on the role of ‘The Golden Bachelorette’ for its premiere season. It was here that she crossed paths with contestant Chock Chapple, culminating in their engagement.
Speaking during the finale of “The Golden Bachelorette” in November 2024, Joan expressed, “Life may have thrown challenges our way, but there’s always hope, even at our age.” The romantic proposal took place in the enchanting locale of Bora Bora, where Chock declared his love for her. “I’ve waited for this special moment in this breathtaking setting to express my feelings,” he said. “I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I long for those mornings when I wake up next to you, and I dream about kissing you goodnight.
Status: Split
In the season finale of “The Bachelorette” (season 21), it appeared that “The Bachelor” alum Jenn Tran might find her perfect ending with her final choice, Devin Strader. However, in a conversation on “After the Final Rose” back in September, Jenn, aged 26, disclosed that Devin, who is 28 years old, suddenly turned cold towards her once the cameras were no longer rolling.
During the September 3rd episode, Jenn shared with host Jesse Palmer that the man she was in love with had abruptly changed his feelings. She said, “One day he was expressing such passionate declarations of affection and the next day he acted as if it never happened, denying any involvement in our supposed love.” Jenn went on to explain that all the promises of love and affection he had made to her no longer seemed to exist.
The narrative unfolded further as Devin posted a 13-minute video on Instagram, detailing his perspective and accepting responsibility (accountability), while also explaining the reasons behind ending the relationship during a 15-minute phone conversation.
Instead of Jenn stating he ended their relationship over the phone in August, he countered by saying that she asked him about his problems and wanted him to tell her in person, which he was trying to do at the time.
As a lifestyle advisor, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of the best course of action. I had been holding off on sharing some important news with her personally, but it seemed as though events had taken their own course and compelled me to reveal it sooner rather than later. In simpler terms, she managed to push the situation forward.
Ever since that time, Jenn gracefully strolled towards “Dancing with the Stars” and perhaps into the affections of her dance partner Sasha Farber, as they’ve been fueling romance speculation since their elimination on October 29th.
Status: Split
In November 2022, Greg Grippo, who was among Katie Thurston’s suitors on The Bachelorette the previous year, appeared alongside Victoria Fuller on the season eight finale of Bachelor in Paradise. During their time there, they publicly declared that they were in a relationship. However, in April 2024, he disclosed that they had ended their relationship.
Prior to Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo making their relationship official during the finale of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ season 8, Victoria Fuller had broken off her engagement with fellow cast member Johnny DePhillipo.
Status: Divorced
Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist became engaged in November 2023, during the final episode of the first season of “Golden Bachelor”, and they officially got married in a live broadcasted wedding ceremony in January 2024.
However, three months after their nuptials, the couple announced that they were breaking up.
In their interview on Good Morning America with Theresa in April 2024, Gerry explained that they have had many deep discussions and carefully examined their circumstances, including their living arrangements. As a result, they both agree that it seems appropriate to end their marriage at this point.
They reached a divorce settlement in June 2024, according to court records reviewed by TopMob News.
Status: In a Relationship (or Commitment)
Tennis professional Joey Graziadei found his ideal partner in project manager Kelsey Anderson, after courting 32 other potential matches. On the finale of March 2024, Joey declared his affection for Kelsey by saying, “I can’t wait another second to tell you that I love you.” As he got down on one knee, he expressed his feelings, stating, “There is something about you. Your energy is contagious and it makes me smile in a way I never thought possible.” Picturing their future together, he added, “I’ve always imagined having a wonderful life, but I never knew how truly remarkable that life could be until I met you.
In the ninth season of “Bachelor in Paradise”, underwater welder John Henry Spurlock and nurse Kat Izzo didn’t hit it off right away. However, they were ready to take a chance with each other. As he presented an Ascher cut Neil Lane diamond, John expressed his feelings: “I’m going for something a bit unconventional today. My heart tells me you are fantastic, you are exactly what I’ve been searching for.”
However, shortly after the season finale, they announced that their paths were diverging due to conflicting career goals. In a joint Instagram post, they thanked their loved ones and “Bachelor Nation” for their support: “Although our careers have separate destinations, we are grateful for the love and encouragement we’ve received.
Situation: Separation
In the midst of her apprehension about a Paradise relationship, elegantly attired Eliza Isichei (formerly linked to Clayton Echard), despite her jitters, graciously agreed to Aaron Bryant’s seaside proposal. Touched by his thoughtful gesture of consulting her mother for her approval, she expressed, “I knew I was not in command of what would slip out from my lips.”
The finale’s conclusion hinted at some hurdles faced by Eliza and marketing manager Charity after their return from Mexico, and a few days later they confirmed that they had called off their engagement.
On December 2023, he shared on Instagram, “Navigating these complex feelings as I watch the events unfold. We’re parting ways amicably, with nothing but positivity and mutual respect for each other.
Status: Divorced or Separated
Nurse Kylee Russell found herself disappointed with Aven Jones’ reluctance to propose, a gesture he had supposedly been planning during his courtship of Bachelorette Rachel Recchia. However, she eventually agreed to Aven’s proposal on ‘Paradise’, choosing to leave things as they were and make the relationship work.
This decision meant that her chosen engagement dress remained untouched. “I simply had to do what I felt was correct,” she said. “Love is about taking risks.”
Just two days after their finale aired in December 2023, Kylee shared on Instagram Stories that the relationship had ended due to multiple infidelities. Aven later apologized for his mistakes and the pain he caused Kylee, stating, “I have made significant errors in our relationship and hurt someone very dear to me.
Status: In a Relationship
Charity Lawson playfully told TopMob News about her satisfaction with this season, which was just a sneak peek of her grand August 2023 finale. Dotun Olubeko, an integrative medicine specialist, expressed his love for her as “perfect,” asking the child and family therapist, “Will you make our fairy tale come true by becoming my wife?”
Their future together is still unfolding—they’re considering a wedding in 2025 or 2026—but first, Charity will grace the ballroom on Dancing With the Stars. “Alright, sweetheart,” Dotun said to Charity on The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose. “Since you love to dance and have fun, I’m thrilled to announce that you’ve been chosen for Dancing With the Stars! Let’s do this!
As a devoted admirer following their romantic journey, I can confidently say that Zach Shallcross will find his blissful conclusion. Although there were a few hiccups during the Fantasy Suite week, Zach Shallcross brought season 27 to a close in March 2023 with a heartfelt proposal. With tears in his eyes and love overflowing, he expressed to travel nurse Kaity Biggar, “I am so in love with you. You are my world. The love I feel for you is something I could have never imagined.”
Fast forward to July 2023, this Texas-based couple took another significant stride in their relationship, as Kaity announced on Instagram, “We’re officially roommates now!” They’re currently working towards setting a date for their October 2025 nuptials.
Current Status: Broke Up
Ah, it seems Mom and Dad, despite parting ways during season seven of BIP without Neil Lane’s diamonds, had a promising future. Danielle Maltby, who tragically lost her fiancé to a drug overdose before appearing on Nick Viall’s season, and single dad Michael Allio (father of 7-year-old James) appeared destined for Bachelor Nation’s couple goals.
However, a year after Danielle moved from Nashville to Ohio to be with Michael, they announced their separation. Michael shared his feelings on Jason Tartick’s Trading Secrets podcast in September 2023, expressing that it was heartbreaking when the relationship didn’t work out. “When relationships don’t succeed, when you realize that love is there but compatibility might be lacking, you grieve not only the loss of that person and friend in your life, but also the future you had envisioned,” he said.
As a devoted follower, I might rephrase it like this:
“I’ll cherish you from eternity, right up until my final moment, and I long for an everlasting future with you,” Brandon Jones declared passionately as he proposed to his dearest friend, Serene Russell, during season seven of Paradise. However, their journey together was tragically cut short. Just five months after their engagement aired on television, Brandon (a finalist from Michelle Young’s season) and Serene (who had her own romantic moments with Clayton Echard) announced their separation in a joint statement posted on Instagram in May 2023. They wrote: “We have struggled privately to maintain our relationship, which has proven to be incredibly challenging under public scrutiny. This has been an extremely difficult and painful experience for both of us, as there is indeed a profound love between us. We ask only that there be no hostility.
The relationship between Rachel and general contractor Tino Franco encountered a halt due to an incident where he kissed another woman during their 2022 season broadcast. In his own words on “The Viall Files”, Tino admitted, “I in no way condone my actions. It was unfair and regrettable, something I deeply regret and it continues to weigh heavily on me daily. It’s a mistake I am ashamed of and if I could go back and change it, I would do so a million times over.
The story unfolded as follows: Susie Evans initially turned down Clayton Echard during the 2022 finale, but later reconnected with him off-camera. However, their relationship didn’t last long; they parted ways six months later. Despite this, Susie, a videographer based in L.A., believes the split was necessary. In a November 2022 blog post titled “Susie Was Like,” she expressed that her spirit had lost its luster and she wasn’t living up to her full potential. She admitted that they shared many happy moments, but deep down, she was struggling and felt out of sync with the best version of herself.
After dating Justin Glaze from Bachelor Nation, Susie later confirmed that their relationship had ended in August 2024.
The current status of Michelle, a Minnesota elementary school teacher, is that she’s moved on. Last year, she received a Neil Lane sparkler from Texas-based sales executive Nayte Olukoya, along with a $200,000 check for their future home, following their participation in a reality show. However, they didn’t find the right connection, and announced their split six months after the show’s finale in December 2021.
In an interview on ‘The Viall Files’, Nayte admitted that there were many highs and lows, numerous arguments and disagreements, and ultimately, they didn’t see eye-to-eye. He also regretted not having the final conversation about their split in person, calling it a “dick move.”
Since then, Michelle has been dating Jack Leius since 2023, and they announced their engagement the following year.
The duo from BIP season seven, Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian, shared a vision of peaceful Sunday mornings with the audience, which they wholeheartedly embraced. However, their time together was limited to just a few weekends. In a joint statement released in January 2022, they explained that they had made the difficult decision to part ways. They never anticipated this outcome, but found themselves at a point where they both needed to focus on personal growth.
Status: Split
The initial same-sex couple from Bachelor Nation became engaged during the sixth season of “Bachelor in Paradise”, but they revealed their separation, which occurred in 2019, on Halloween.
In simpler terms, they expressed that their bond has been built upon mutual love and concern. Their main focus has been ensuring the well-being of both parties. With deep affection for each other, they have made the difficult decision to distance themselves from the relationship. Essentially, they want what’s best for them in the long term, and at this moment, that means growing separately.
Current Status: Engaged
In a nutshell, it wasn’t paradise lost for Noah Erb and Abigail Heringer. Despite parting ways during the seventh season of The Bachelorette, they found themselves deeply connected, as if they could read each other’s souls. After initially settling in San Diego, they have recently purchased a home in Tulsa, Noah’s hometown.
In July 2023, Abigail shared on Instagram, “About to enter our Chip and Joanna Gaines era because your girl just bought her very first house!! Excited to start our next chapter and for all the memories we’ll create here!!”
As they prepared for their move, Noah popped the question at a beachfront San Diego home in August 2023. Their upcoming plans? A wedding and more beautiful memories in their new home.
Serena Pitt and Joe Amabile, both reality TV stars, decided to have a practice run for their upcoming September 2023 wedding by getting legally married in New York City about a year after they left the show “Paradise” engaged. They announced their “just married” status on an October 2022 video, with Serena adding that they’re still planning a bigger wedding in September but who wouldn’t want to get married twice!
In the finale of Paradise in 2021, Kenny Braasch, renowned boy band manager, expressed his deep affection for Mari Pepin by saying, ‘I’m absolutely crazy about you.’ As he placed a Neil Lane diamond ring on her finger, he continued, ‘And I truly can’t imagine my life without you.’ Following their elimination by Tayshia Adams in week five, they moved forward with their relationship. In November 2023, they tied the knot in a beautiful oceanfront ceremony attended by 65 guests in Puerto Rico. However, before their wedding, they made their love even more permanent by getting matching tattoos during a trip to the Bahamas in May 2023.
Status: Married
As a dedicated fan and follower, I’m excited to share that Becca (formerly The Bachelorette) and Thomas Jacobs, one of Katie Thurston’s suitors, found each other on ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ season seven in 2021. Their relationship had its ups and downs; they split during the show, but reconnected after production ended. In May 2022, they announced their engagement, with Becca taking the lead in proposing. As she shared with TopMob News, “I hope that others can now feel empowered to break the norms.” True to her words, Thomas reciprocated the gesture later that October.
In September 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son named Benson. Becca expressed on Instagram, “Words cannot express the love and awe we have for this little man.” Just weeks after bringing Benson home, the couple tied the knot in an impromptu October 13 ceremony.
Status: Split
In the climactic finale of “The Bachelorette” season 17 in 2021, I was thrilled to witness Katie accepting Blake Moynes’ proposal. Our hearts first connected during our extraordinary overnight date, which included a paintball adventure, soaking in a cowboy tub, and a heartfelt conversation beneath the starlit sky.
Bending down on a knee, Blake expressed to Katie, “You are worthy of the whole universe, and I am thrilled to stand by your side and be your daily companion from hereon.
Three months following the airing of their proposal, the pair disclosed their separation. In identical statements, they expressed, “We are deeply thankful for the precious moments we experienced together and the incredible journey that unfolded this year. However, we have determined that we are not well-suited as life partners, and it is the kindest decision for us to advance separately.”
Now she is betrothed to comedian Jeff Arcuri.
Current Status: Separated
In the time since Matt and graphic designer Rachael Kirkconnell parted ways during his 2021 season (following a brief separation and subsequent reconciliation), they have faced numerous breakup speculations.
“I believe everyone should take a break from social media,” Matt shared exclusively with TopMob News at a July 18 Baskin-Robbins event. “Our lives are so heavily influenced by our phones that when anyone decides to step away from their phone constantly, people assume it’s the end of the world.”
In fact, Matt expressed that marriage remains the ultimate goal for them as a couple.
“I think what’s good about our relationship is we move at our own pace,” the author of First Impressions: Off Screen Conversations With a Bachelor on Race, Family, and Forgiveness told TopMob News in May 2022. “And you’ve seen with other couples—they rush into engagement and aren’t together anymore. So, I think we have a successful formula and will make it work.”
However, less than three years later, Matt confirmed that he and Rachael had split once again.
“Father God, give Rachael and me the strength to heal our broken hearts,” the reality star wrote on Instagram Jan. 16, 2025 alongside a nostalgic photo of them on The Bachelor. “Grant us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our joy comes from you, Lord.”
Status: Split
Following her entry to take charge during Clare Crawley’s 2020 season of “The Bachelorette,” Tayshia developed feelings for Zac Clark. Despite departing the show as an engaged couple, Tayshia later confessed that their relationship had its fair share of highs and lows.
In a new relationship, it can be challenging to disappear for a couple of weeks, right? And let me assure you, I’m being straightforward about this, she expressed on the The Ben and Ashley I. Almost Famous podcast in August 2021.
She added, “It seemed as though afterward, it became crucial for us to recall why we were together. And I firmly believe that’s quite typical.” However, in November 2021, TopMob News reported they had parted ways.
Status: Split
During season 16 of ‘The Bachelorette’, Clare became deeply smitten with Dale Moss. Intriguingly, they got engaged as early as the fourth episode. However, things took a turn when, following Clare’s replacement by Tayshia, Dale announced on social media that his relationship with the hairdresser had ended, despite their earlier engagement.
Approximately a month later, whispers of reconciliation swirled when they were seen together once more. Jumping ahead to July 2021, following multiple get-togethers, Clare and Dale were solidly reunited—complete with a ring. However, by September, the relationship ended for them again. Now, Clare is blissfully married to Ryan Dawkins, and they’re eagerly anticipating their first child together.
Status: Split
Following a short betrothal with winner Hannah Ann Sluss and later separation from second runner-up Madison Prewett, fans had high hopes that things would work out for Peter in the third attempt. Regrettably, his affectionate connection with season 24’s notable contestant Kelley Flanagan did not last, as the pilot announced on New Year’s Eve 2020 that their nine-month relationship had ended.
In my personal reflections, although our bond was adorned with countless cherished moments, regrettably, our journey together didn’t prove sustainable in the grand scheme of things. However, Kelley remains someone whose affection will forever hold a unique and significant place in my heart.
In 2022, they made another attempt at flying again, but later in May, they disclosed that their relationship had come to an end.
Status: Split
After the intense 2020 finale, the pair shared on Instagram that they would no longer be working on their relationship. Peter posted, “Madi and I have jointly decided not to continue our relationship any longer. It wasn’t an easy decision for either of us, but after many sincere discussions, we have come to the conclusion that this is what is best for both of us. The affection and regard I hold for Madi will persist.
In her statement, Madi expressed, “I’ll always cherish and honor him. I firmly believe that our lives were destined to intersect, and we have both significantly benefited from this encounter.
Status: Split
During season 24 of ‘The Bachelor’, I found myself in a brief engagement with Peter and Hannah Ann. However, towards the latter half of the finale, our situation took a turn for the worse just a month into our exclusive relationship. To my surprise, it seemed that Peter still held strong feelings for Madison, which left Hannah Ann blindsided.
She said, “I’ve always just wanted someone to fully reciprocate the love I offer them, and you ended my first engagement.” Before returning the ring, she expressed her feelings by saying, “You took that away from me. You did so because I trusted you, and that’s something you’ve consistently asked me to do – ‘be patient with me, have faith in me.’
Relationship Status: Married
After their days of #vanlife, the relationship between Dean Unglert and Caelynn Miller-Keyes has progressed significantly. Despite breaking up during season six of Paradise in 2019, they’ve been together ever since.
In 2022, the former beauty queen got engaged to her cohost on the “Help! We Suck at Being Newlyweds” podcast. They tied the knot at a camp-themed wedding in the Colorado mountains on September 23. “I just love him so much,” Caelynn shared with TopMob News before the ceremony. “I’m really excited to be marrying someone who’s such a good person, who makes me laugh every day, even when I’m upset. I think our life together is going to be really fun.
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2025-01-29 00:53