Mel Owens is on the hunt for a life partner! The former NFL player and lawyer will star in season two of *The Golden Bachelor*, which premieres September 24th at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. He hinted on *Good Morning America* that the season will be full of surprises and praised the women competing for his heart.
The 66-year-old is looking for someone energetic, fun-loving, active, and always eager to learn. He emphasized the importance of having a lot of energy in a partner, sharing this on the *Bachelor Happy Hour* podcast.
However, some viewers remember a previous comment Mel made. He admitted on the *In the Trenches* podcast that he typically dates women between 45 and 60 who are physically fit, and initially told producers he wasn’t interested in women over 60. He also expressed a preference for partners who haven’t had hip replacements or wear wigs.
He apologized after a friend pointed out that his comments were insensitive. He explained to *Glamour* magazine that it had been a long time since he’d dated – around 26 or 27 years, following two decades of marriage and a divorce. He’d been referencing dating someone around his own age, in his late thirties or early forties. His friend responded by saying that didn’t excuse his inappropriate remarks, and he realized he needed to apologize.
Mel is hoping viewers will give him a second chance to prove himself. He encourages people to watch the show, saying, “If you don’t tune in, you’ll never know if I’ve earned back their trust.” He emphasizes that sincerity is key to regaining that trust, as the women on the show are perceptive and will see through any dishonesty. Mel also hopes the show will highlight the inspiring stories of the women participating. Before his season begins, you can find updates on where other Bachelor stars stand with their relationships.
Status: Engaged
Spencer Conley, who made a good impression on Jenn Tran with his friendly personality on *The Bachelorette*, found a connection on season 10 of *Bachelor in Paradise*. He shared a post with Jess Edwards (who previously tried to win over Joey Graziadei on *The Bachelor*) hinting that they were falling for each other – a common way to say things are getting serious without saying “I love you” just yet. In an August 2025 Instagram post, Spencer playfully declared he’d “already won.”
Jess echoed the sentiment, posting online about how happy she was with Spencer. The couple chose their relationship over a $250,000 prize, and were thrilled to receive a surprise gift of $190,000. Jess shared that everything they’d experienced together had brought them to this perfect moment. She’s now planning to move to Dallas to be with Spencer, according to the show.
Status: Dating
Bailey Taylor Brown declared on Instagram in August 2025 that her date with Jeremy Simon was the best first date she’d ever had, following their time on season 10 of *Paradise*. But could it also be their last? Bailey, who originally competed for Grant Ellis’ affection, and Jeremy, who almost won over Jenn on *The Bachelorette*, managed to overcome their biggest fight yet when Bailey discovered Jeremy had hesitated about sending Susie Evans home.
Despite the drama, their connection continued to grow in Costa Rica. Though they didn’t make it to the end of *Bachelor in Paradise*, they decided to continue dating after the show. The show later revealed they’d already met each other’s families and were planning to move to the same city together.
Status: Dating
It looks like things are still going strong between Andrew Spencer, from Katie Thurston’s season of *Paradise*, and Alexe Godin, who appeared on Grant’s season. Just six days after Andrew publicly called Alexe “my love” on Instagram in August 2025, she returned the affectionate nickname, calling him “my darling” in a post of her own.
Although they chose a relationship over the $250,000 prize on the *Bachelor in Paradise* finale, they still each received $125,000.
“This is incredible,” Alexe exclaimed. “I’m leaving with money, but more importantly, with love.”
The show then revealed that Alexe and Andrew are moving to Chicago together to start a new life.
Status: Dating
Kat and Dale faced a difficult situation during the *Bachelor in Paradise* finale when Sean McLaughlin claimed Kat had been secretly communicating with an ex-boyfriend through letters and a laptop. Kat, however, denied contacting him while on the show. She explained that she and her ex had still been in contact before coming on the show, as she hadn’t expected to find someone new.
Although Kat and Dale didn’t make it to the final rose ceremony, their relationship continued to grow after the show. They traveled around the U.S. together and started making plans for the future, including potentially moving closer to each other. Kat was originally on Zach Shallcross’ season of *The Bachelor*, and Dale was a contestant on Clare Crawley’s season.
You know, seeing Kat’s post from August 2025 really resonated with me. Dale’s comment – ‘It was tough at times, but we navigated it together…and I wouldn’t change a thing’ – that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Life throws curveballs, but when you face them *with* someone, and come out stronger on the other side… that’s a beautiful thing. It’s a reminder that even the hard times shape us, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade my own struggles either – they’ve made me who I am today.
Status: Just friends—for now
After leaving season 10 of *Bachelor in Paradise*, Gary Levingston and Leslie Fhima (who was a finalist on *Golden Bachelor*) seemed optimistic about their future together, even sharing a video about creating new memories. However, Leslie, who once inspired musician Prince, isn’t sure if she wants to pursue a romantic relationship with Gary.
She shared that she and Gary talk constantly. Appearing on *Bachelor Happy Hour* in August 2025, she described him as one of her closest friends, someone she turns to when she needs advice or support. They’re always there for each other and have a strong bond.
Even though they live almost 2,000 miles apart – she’s in Minnesota and he’s in California – she’s still optimistic about things. She explained that, for her, the most important part of any relationship, especially a romantic one, is building a friendship first. She wants to be with someone who is also her best friend as they get older.
Status: Just friends
Kim Buike, a frontrunner on *Golden Bachelorette*, connected with Faith Martin, who received the first impression rose on Gerry Turner’s season. Though they didn’t find lasting love on *Paradise*, they continued dating after the show. Faith shared on Instagram in August 2025 that Kim had visited her in Washington for a date. Ultimately, they decided they were better suited as friends. In a September 2025 Instagram post, Faith explained they talk several times a week despite living far apart, but confirmed they never fell in love, despite having a strong connection while filming.
As a huge fan of *The Bachelor*, I was so excited for Grant’s season! He seemed to hit it off with so many women on night one – a whopping 25 potential matches! But it was Juliana Pasquarosa who really captured his heart and received his final rose. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be, and they broke up less than three months after their proposal was shown on TV. It’s always disappointing when a *Bachelor* couple doesn’t last!
Grant announced on Instagram on June 13th that he and Juliana have decided to break up. He explained that they both tried their best and cared for each other deeply, but after careful consideration, they realized they weren’t compatible for the future.
Joan Vassos found love after appearing on *The Golden Bachelor* and then becoming the first-ever *Golden Bachelorette*. On the show, she connected with Chock Chapple and they got engaged.
During the November 2024 finale of *The Golden Bachelorette*, Joan shared a hopeful message, saying, “We prove that even later in life, there’s always hope.” Just before Chock proposed in Bora Bora, she told him, “I’ve waited for this moment, in this beautiful place, to tell you that I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you-waking up with you every morning and kissing you goodnight.”
During the finale of *The Bachelorette* season 21, it seemed like Jenn Tran, who previously appeared on *The Bachelor*, had found love with Devin Strader. However, Jenn later revealed in a September 2024 *After the Final Rose* episode that Devin became distant as soon as filming ended.
Jenn explained to Jesse Palmer that he had strongly declared his love for her, but the very next day acted as if those feelings never existed. She said all the promises and affection he’d expressed were suddenly gone.
The situation escalated when Devin posted a 13-minute video on Instagram explaining his perspective and taking responsibility for his actions. He also detailed the reasons behind the breakup, which he had discussed in a 15-minute phone call.
Jenn said he ended their relationship during a phone call in August, but he insists she pressed him for answers when he was trying to tell her in person.
He said he’d been wanting to tell her face-to-face, but she pushed him to reveal it sooner than he’d planned. He felt like he had no other choice.
Jenn then appeared on *Dancing With the Stars* and developed a relationship with her dance partner, Sasha Farber. They continued dancing together even after being eliminated in October 2024, but eventually broke up in 2025.
Greg Grippo, who appeared on Katie Thurston’s season of *The Bachelorette*, began dating Victoria Fuller from *Bachelor in Paradise* in November 2022. They announced their relationship on the season eight finale of *Bachelor in Paradise*, but Greg shared in April 2024 that they had broken up.
Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo revealed their relationship after the finale of *Bachelor in Paradise* season eight, but before that, Victoria and her fellow cast member Johnny DePhillipo had broken off their engagement.
Gerry and Theresa Nist got engaged in November 2023 at the end of the first season of *The Golden Bachelor* and then married in a televised ceremony in January 2024. They are now divorced.
However, three months after their nuptials, the couple announced that they were breaking up.
In an appearance on *Good Morning America* in April 2024, Gerry and Theresa announced they’ve decided to get a divorce. They explained that after many honest conversations and careful consideration of their life together, they both agreed it was time to end their marriage.
They reached a divorce settlement in June 2024, according to court records reviewed by TopMob News.
Okay, so you guys, I nearly lost it when Gerry said on *Bachelor Happy Hour* that he’s seeing someone! He actually said it’s “going well”! Can you believe it?! I’ve been following his journey forever, and I’m just so happy for him that he’s found someone new. Seriously, it’s the best news ever!
Tennis star Joey has found love! After dating 32 women, he proposed to project manager Kelsey Anderson during the March 2024 season finale. He told Kelsey, “I can’t wait another minute to tell you that I love you,” before getting down on one knee. Joey was captivated by Kelsey’s positive energy, saying it was a feeling he’d never experienced before. He shared that meeting her showed him just how wonderful his life could be, and he’s excited to build a future with her.
John Henry Spurlock, who competed for Charity Lawson’s affection, and Kat Izzo, from Zach Shallcross’ season, found a connection on season nine of *Bachelor in Paradise*, though it took a while to develop. John Henry proposed with a Neil Lane diamond, telling Kat she was everything he was looking for. However, shortly after the show’s finale, they announced their breakup. In a joint statement on Instagram, they explained that their different career goals led them to realize they weren’t a long-term match, but they remained thankful for the support they received from family, friends, and fans.
Eliza Isichei, who previously dated Clayton Echard, is engaged! Despite being anxious about finding love again after her time on *Paradise*, she happily said yes when Aaron Bryant proposed by the ocean. She was especially touched that Aaron asked her mother for her blessing, admitting she was so emotional she couldn’t control her reaction.
However, the couple later announced they were ending their engagement. They revealed in December 2023 that while the split was difficult to watch unfold, they were parting ways amicably with positivity and respect for each other.
Despite previously expressing disappointment that boyfriend Aven Jones hadn’t proposed in a traditional way – something he reportedly considered doing on *The Bachelorette* with Rachel Recchia – Kylee Russell accepted his proposal at the end of *Paradise* in order to try and make their relationship work. While she had already chosen an engagement dress, she felt it was the right decision, believing that love requires taking chances. However, just two days after the show aired in December 2023, Kylee revealed on social media that the relationship had ended due to Aven’s infidelity. Aven later apologized, admitting he had made significant mistakes and hurt Kylee.
Charity Lawson is thrilled with how her season of *The Bachelorette* ended! She hinted to TopMob News that things were going well, but her finale was even better than expected. Dotun Olubeko, an integrative medicine specialist, proposed to Charity, a child and family therapist, getting down on one knee and calling their love “perfect.” He asked her to make their “fairytale” a reality.
Though they’re planning a wedding for 2025 or 2026, Charity will first be hitting the dance floor on *Dancing With the Stars*. Dotun surprised her with the news on *The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose*, saying he knew how much she loved to dance and was excited for her to have the opportunity.
Zach Shallcross proposed to Kaity Biggar at the end of season 27 in March 2023, despite some challenges during the Fantasy Suites. He told her, “I am so in love with you. You are my world. The love I feel for you is something I could have never imagined.” By July 2023, the couple, who are based in Texas, had taken another step forward in their relationship, announcing on Instagram that they had become roommates.
Kaity and her partner got married on May 23, 2025, in a small, intimate chapel ceremony. They had originally envisioned a bigger wedding, but Kaity realized it wasn’t necessary. As she shared on the *Bachelor Happy Hour* podcast in June 2025, she wanted to focus on what truly mattered – their love and connection – and felt she was getting too caught up in minor details.
However, one thing especially impressed her. The aunt who signed her up to compete for Zach’s affection discovered the charming chapel near Austin where they held the ceremony. “It was absolutely perfect,” Kaity said.
Danielle Maltby and Michael Allio, who seemed like a promising couple after meeting on *Bachelor in Paradise*, have broken up. Despite a strong connection – Danielle had previously experienced a tragic loss with her fiancé, and Michael is a single dad to his son James – the couple split after about a year of dating, with Danielle moving to Ohio to be with Michael. Michael explained on a podcast that while they loved each other, they weren’t compatible in the long term, and he’s grieving the loss of their potential future together.
Brandon Jones proposed to Serene Russell on season seven of *Paradise*, telling her he would love her forever. Sadly, their relationship didn’t last. Just five months after getting engaged on the show, the couple announced their split in a May 2023 Instagram post. They explained that trying to work through their issues had been difficult with so much public attention, and that despite still caring for each other, they were heartbroken and asked for privacy.
Pilot Rachel and contractor Tino Franco ended their engagement after he kissed someone else while their season of the show was still airing. Tino later admitted on the podcast *The Viall Files* that he deeply regrets his actions. He said he feels ashamed and wishes he could have handled the situation differently, adding that it continues to bother him.
Susie Evans and Clayton Echard’s relationship, which began on the 2022 season of *The Bachelor*, had a complicated journey. After Susie initially turned Clayton down during the finale, they briefly reconnected off-camera, but ultimately broke up six months later. Susie has explained that while they shared happy times, she wasn’t truly thriving in the relationship and felt it wasn’t the right fit for her personal growth. She shared in a blog post that those close to her noticed she wasn’t her brightest self, and the split was necessary for her well-being.
Susie then started dating Justin Glaze from Bachelor Nation, but they ended their relationship in August 2024.
Michelle, an elementary school teacher from Minnesota, accepted a proposal from Nayte Olukoya, a sales executive from Texas, on a reality show and received a $200,000 check towards a future home. However, the couple ultimately split six months after the season finale in December 2021, realizing they weren’t a good long-term match. Nayte later admitted on a podcast that they had many arguments and disagreements, and that ending things without an in-person conversation was a mistake.
Michelle later began dating Jack Leius in 2023, and they got engaged the following year. They were married in Minnesota in June 2025.
Fans were really hoping to see Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian build a life together, picturing cozy Sunday mornings for the couple. However, after falling for each other on season seven of *BIP*, they ultimately only spent a few weekends together. In a joint statement released in January 2022, Maurissa (who previously dated Peter Weber) and Riley (a former suitor on Tayshia Adams’ season) announced their split, explaining that they both needed to focus on personal growth.
Status: Split
The first same-sex couple from *Bachelor in Paradise* got engaged on season six, but they broke up and announced their split on Halloween in 2019.
We’ve always cared deeply for each other, and making the best decision for both of us has always been our top priority. With a lot of love and sadness, we’ve decided to separate so we can focus on ourselves and grow as individuals. We believe this is the right path forward for both of us in the long run, even though it’s difficult.
I was so thrilled when Noah Erb and Abigail Heringer worked things out! It was tough watching them struggle during *Bachelor in Paradise* season seven, but they realized they had something truly special. They started out in San Diego, but recently made a big move to Noah’s hometown of Tulsa and bought their first house together! Abigail even posted about it on Instagram, saying they’re about to enter their ‘Chip and Joanna Gaines era,’ which is just adorable. And the best part? Noah proposed to her in San Diego before they moved! They’re now planning their wedding and starting a new chapter together, and I couldn’t be happier for them!
Serena Pitt and Joe Amabile, who first connected on reality TV, secretly tied the knot in October 2022! The couple – Serena was a finalist on Matt James’ season of *The Bachelor*, and Joe is known as the grocery store owner from Becca Kufrin’s season – decided to have a small ceremony at City Hall in New York City about a year after getting engaged on *Paradise*. They’re still planning a larger wedding for September 2023. Serena, who now co-hosts the *Bachelor Happy Hour* podcast with Joe, shared the news with a video and the caption, “We are still having a wedding this September but who doesn’t want to get married twice!”
Kenny Braasch proposed to Mari Pepin with a Neil Lane diamond ring during the 2021 finale of *Paradise*, telling her, “I am so in love with you and can’t imagine my life without you.” Mari, originally from Maryland and a contestant on *The Bachelor*, moved to Chicago to be with Kenny, who had previously been eliminated on *Paradise* by Tayshia Adams. Before their November 2023 wedding-a 65-person ceremony in Puerto Rico-the couple cemented their bond with matching tattoos during a trip to the Bahamas in May 2023.
Status: Married
Becca Kufrin, who previously starred on *The Bachelorette*, and Thomas Jacobs, known from Katie Thurston’s season of *The Bachelor*, found love on season seven of *Bachelor in Paradise* in 2021. They briefly split up during filming but got back together after the show ended.
In May 2022, they announced their engagement, revealing that Becca had proposed. She told TopMob News that she hoped their unconventional approach would encourage others to break with tradition. Thomas returned the proposal in October of the same year. They welcomed their son, Benson, in September 2023, with Becca expressing overwhelming love and awe for him on Instagram.
Just weeks after Benson’s birth, the couple had a surprise wedding ceremony on October 13th.
Status: Split
As a bit of a reality TV enthusiast, I remember when Katie found love on season 17 of *The Bachelorette*! She ended up getting engaged to Blake Moynes, and honestly, their connection was so sweet to watch. They really hit it off during an unforgettable overnight date – picture this: paintball, a relaxing cowboy tub, and a romantic conversation under the stars. It was the perfect recipe for a proposal!
Blake proposed to Katie, getting down on one knee and telling her he wanted to support her dreams and be with her always. He said she deserved everything good in life.
Just three months after getting engaged, the couple announced they were breaking up. In a joint statement, they said they cherished the time they spent together this year, but realized they weren’t right for each other long-term, and that going their separate ways was the kindest option. She has since married comedian Jeff Arcuri.
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2025-09-24 21:20