Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell's Shocking Split: What Went Wrong?

The last petal has fallen on Matt James’ and Rachael Kirkconnell’s relationship.

4 years post their romantic encounter on ‘The Bachelor’ season 25 in 2021, it was revealed that the couple have ended their relationship, as disclosed by Matt.

Dear God, Father, grant Rachael and me the fortitude to heal our broken hearts,” he wrote in his January 16 Instagram post, with a photo from their initial encounter on ABC’s show. “Grant us a tranquility concerning this decision to part ways, which surpasses human comprehension.

Instead of directly quoting the person, let’s rephrase it like this: “The 33-year-old suggested we express warmth and affection towards our loved ones in times of need, as a reminder that our happiness originates from God.

Just hours earlier, he shared several TikToks of their food adventures in London.

As for Rachael, she hasn’t shared any thoughts about the split so far. Interestingly, her most recent social media post was a heartfelt birthday message dedicated to Matt.

On your birthday, my dearest friend, partner, culinary companion, the one who holds my heart completely, Rachael expressed in a post on Dec. 5. ‘You overflow it (and my stomach) with love and joy, and I’m incredibly grateful to share this journey through life with you.’

She expressed, “I’m deeply grateful to share this journey of life with you by dancing together. Thank you for your unwavering affection, kisses, and warm embraces.

Initially, the pair discovered their romantic connection during Matt’s season of ‘The Bachelor’, broadcasted in 2021; it was then that Matt presented Rachael with his final rose. Yet, by the time the reunion special occurred in March, they had split up due to racially questionable images of Rachael being circulated online. However, they managed to mend their relationship a month afterward.

Matt shared with People in 2022 that it seemed as though the world was siding against them, explaining the mixed reactions he encountered. Some individuals believed the situation was exaggerated while others felt it was overlooked. All they wanted was to cherish their bond and nurture their relationship without unwanted opinions from strangers interfering.

In the subsequent year, they found themselves under the microscope once more. On this occasion, rumors swirled that they had parted ways again, due to the absence of mutual social media posts between them.

Matt shared with TopMob News that everyone should occasionally disconnect from social media, “because we spend so much time glued to our smartphones that when someone decides to step away from constant phone use, it feels like an apocalypse is happening.

Matt emphasized that the couple’s private moments were just for them.

Matt put it this way: “In the end, there are certain aspects that belong only to us, making our bond unique. While I enjoy sharing all we can with those who stand by us, fans included, it’s essential to remember that this relationship is ours alone. We want to preserve its uniqueness as best we can.

Keep reading for more updates on Bachelor Nation couples…

As a devoted fan who witnessed it all unfold, let me share my account: Following my brief stint on the pioneering season of ‘The Golden Bachelor’ and prematurely departing from Gerry Turner’s journey, I had the privilege of leading the cast in the inaugural season of ‘The Golden Bachelorette’. It was during this enchanting experience that I met the extraordinary Chock Chapple and found my heart’s match.

Fast-forward to the climactic finale of November 2024 on ‘The Golden Bachelorette’, I expressed our incredible story, “Life may have its challenges, but there’s always hope, even at this stage in our lives.” With the breathtaking backdrop of Bora Bora serving as the perfect setting, Chock took the opportunity to express his deepest feelings. In his own heartfelt words, “I’ve waited for this very moment in this stunning location to tell you that I love you, and I long to spend the rest of my life with you. I look forward to waking up next to you each morning and sharing a goodnight kiss with you every night.

Status: Split

In the season finale of “The Bachelorette” (season 21), it appeared that former contestant Jenn Tran, aged 26, might find her happily ever after with her final choice, Devin Strader. However, during “After the Final Rose” in September, Jenn disclosed that Devin, also 28, turned cold towards her once the cameras stopped rolling.

In her conversation with Jesse Palmer on the September 3rd show, Jenn expressed that the man she was involved with had been expressing intense affection one day, only to completely vanish and deny any feelings of love the next. She stated that all the pledges he had made to her, as well as the affection he claimed to have for her, seemed to be nowhere to be found anymore.

The events became more intriguing as Devin posted a 13-minute video on Instagram, detailing his perspective and expressing accountability for his actions. He also explained the reasons behind ending their relationship during a 15-minute conversation over the phone.

Although Jenn asserted that he ended their relationship over the phone in August, he countered by stating that Jenn became insistent about understanding why things weren’t working and was trying to figure out how to tell her in person instead.

He admitted that he was unsure about what other option he had, adding that he had been planning to share the news with her personally. In essence, she seemed to compel him to act sooner rather than later.

Ever since then, Jenn has strolled towards “Dancing with the Stars,” and there are hints that she might have also won Sasha Farber’s heart. The two of them have been stirring up romance speculation ever since their elimination on October 29th.

Status: Split

In November 2022, Greg Grippo – who was one of Katie Thurston’s contestants on The Bachelorette the previous year – appeared alongside Victoria Fuller in the season finale of Bachelor in Paradise. During their time there, they declared that they were involved romantically. However, in April 2024, he disclosed that their relationship had ended.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but share the latest twist in the love story of Bachelor in Paradise’s Victoria Fuller and Greg Grippo. Before their romantic revelation on the finale of season 8, it was Johnny DePhillipo who held Victoria’s heart, but their engagement sadly came to an end prior to this captivating turn of events.

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 televised wedding ceremony in January 2024.

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

During their interview on Good Morning America with Theresa in April 2024, Gerry expressed that they’ve had deep discussions and thoroughly examined their circumstances, including their living arrangement. He went on to say that after careful consideration, they both agree it’s likely the right moment for them to end their marriage.

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

Relationship Status: Betrothed
Tennis player Joey Graziadei, after pursuing 32 possible partners, found his ideal match in project manager Kelsey Anderson. “I can’t hold back any longer to express my love for you,” said Joey to his chosen one during the finale of March 2024. “You have this extraordinary energy that makes me happy. It’s a sensation I’ve never felt before.”
Picture his forever with the woman from Louisiana, he added, “For a while, I thought I wanted a beautiful life, but I didn’t truly understand how magnificent that life could be until I met you.

Initially disconnected during season nine of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, underwater welder John Henry Spurck and nurse Kat Izzo eventually decided to take a leap. As he presented an Ascher cut Neil Lane diamond, he expressed his unique approach, “Today, I’m choosing to follow my heart. You are amazing, you embody everything I’ve been searching for.”

However, shortly after the finale, the couple announced that their paths were diverging due to conflicting career aspirations. In a joint Instagram post, they acknowledged, “Although our career goals don’t coincide, we are thankful for the love and encouragement we have received from our families, friends, and Bachelor Nation.

Status: Divorced
Despite her anxiety over a Paradise proposal, elegantly dressed Eliza Isichei (one of Clayton Echard’s former partners) graciously agreed to Aaron Bryant’s oceanfront proposal. Charmingly impressed by the software salesman’s gesture of contacting her mother for approval, she exclaimed, “I knew I wasn’t in charge of what would slip out of my lips.”
The finale’s conclusion acknowledged that Eliza and her ex, marketing manager Charity, encountered difficulties following their return from Mexico. A few days later, they made a joint statement confirming the end of their engagement.
“It’s intriguing to watch it all unfold,” he wrote on Instagram in December 2023. “We are handling our amicable separation with only positivity and mutual respect for each other.

Status: Divorce

Nurse Kylee Russell was disappointed when boyfriend Aven Jones refused her wish for a traditional proposal – something he had reportedly been planning during his time on ‘The Bachelorette’ with Rachel Recchia. However, she eventually agreed to his proposal from ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, choosing to leave their issues behind and work things out.

This decision meant that her chosen engagement dress remained untouched. “I had to do what I felt was right,” she said. “Love is about taking risks.”

Two days after the show’s finale aired in December 2023, Kylee shared on Instagram Stories that their relationship had come to an end due to several instances of infidelity. Aven later apologized for his mistakes and the pain he caused Kylee, admitting that he had made serious errors in their partnership.

Charity Lawson playfully shared her delight with TopMob News about the successful turn of events this season, which was a mere hint at her grand August 2023 wedding. Dotun Olubeko, an expert in integrative medicine, declared their love to be “flawless,” posing the question, “Would you grant me the privilege of transforming this fairy tale into a lived reality?”

Although their future “happily ever after” is still on the horizon—with potential wedding dates set for 2025 or 2026—Charity will first dance her way through the ballroom of Dancing With the Stars. On The Bachelorette: After the Final Rose, Dotun excitedly told Charity, “You know how much you enjoy joking around, dancing, and having a good time. You’ve always talked about this opportunity, and I am thrilled to be the one to tell you that you’ll be on Dancing With the Stars! Let’s do this!

Status: Set to marry
Zach will have his fairytale conclusion. Despite a few bumps along the way during the Fantasy Suite, Zach Shallcross concluded season 27 in March 2023 on one knee. “I am deeply in love with you,” he expressed to travel nurse Kaity Biggar. “You are my universe. The love I have for you is something I never thought possible.”
In July 2023, the couple based in Texas took their relationship to the next level, as Kaity posted on Instagram, “Now official housemates.” They’re currently organizing their wedding, scheduled for October 2025.

The current state: They parted ways

In simpler terms, Mom and Dad were a couple who appeared to be destined for success within Bachelor Nation after their appearance on season seven of BIP. 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) were considered potential couple goals. However, a year after Maltby moved from Nashville to Ohio to be with Allio, they announced their separation. Michael explained the breakup on an episode of Jason Tartick’s podcast Trading Secrets in September 2023, stating that “it’s really awful when things don’t work out” and that “when you realize that love is there, but you’re not necessarily compatible, you mourn the loss, not just of that person and that friend in your life, but also the future that you had envisioned.

Brandon Jones publicly declared his eternal love for Serene Russell during their appearance on season seven of ‘Paradise’. However, their relationship didn’t last long. Just five months after their engagement aired, they announced their separation in a joint Instagram statement written in May 2023. They explained that maintaining their relationship privately while being under public scrutiny had been extremely challenging. Despite the pain and heartbreak, they requested no malice or hate towards them.

The romantic relationship between pilot Rachel and general contractor Tino Franco faced difficulties when he kissed another woman during their 2022 season broadcast. In an interview on “The Viall Files”, he expressed deep regret, stating, “I in no way defend my actions. It was wrong, unfair to Rachel, and it continues to haunt me daily. I am ashamed of what I did and if given the chance, I would change it a million times over.

In summary, Susie Evans initially turned down Clayton Echard during the 2022 finale of Bachelor, only to reconnect with him off-camera. However, their relationship eventually ended six months later. Despite this, Susie maintains that the breakup was necessary. In a November 2022 blog post titled “Susie Was Like,” she explained that her spirit had lost its luster and she wasn’t flourishing. She admitted they shared many happy moments, but deep down, she was battling internal struggles and felt out of sync with the best version of herself.

After dating Justin Glaze from Bachelor Nation, Susie later parted ways with him. The split occurred in August 2024, as reported.

Status: Separation

Teacher Michelle from Minnesota accepted a Neil Lane sparkler and a $200,000 check for their future home from Texas-based sales executive Nayte Olukoya. However, after six months since their season finale aired in December 2021, they revealed their split.

Though he mentioned on “The Viall Files” that there were many ups and downs, arguments, fights, and ultimately, not connecting well or seeing eye-to-eye, Nayte admitted that not having the final breakup conversation in person was “unfair.”

Michelle later began dating Jack Leius in 2023, and they announced their engagement the following year.

The duo from BIP season seven, Maurissa Gunn and Riley Christian, shared a vision of idyllic Sunday mornings with the audience. However, their time together was limited to just a few weekends. In a joint statement issued in January 2022, their patient coordinator Maurissa (who had a relationship with Peter Weber) and attorney Riley (one of Tayshia Adams’ suitors), announced that they have chosen to part ways. They never anticipated this situation, but they have reached a point where they both require personal growth.

Status: Split

On the sixth season of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, the show’s initial same-sex couple got engaged, however, they revealed their separation, which took place in 2019, on Halloween.

As an ardent admirer, I’ve always cherished the bond of love and concern we share. Our utmost goal has been to ensure our mutual well-being. With a heart heavy with affection, we’ve made the difficult decision to take a break from our relationship. The long-term prosperity of our union is what we yearn for, and at this moment, that means growing separately.

Current Status: Engaged

Noah Erb and Abigail Heringer are now engaged. Despite parting ways during the seventh season of ‘The Bachelorette’, they have found that their connection is eternal. After a brief stint in San Diego, they recently purchased a home in Tulsa, Oklahoma – Noah’s hometown.

Abigail shared her excitement on Instagram in July 2023: “About to enter our Chip and Joanna Gaines era because your girl bought her very first house!!!” She continued, “Excited to start our next chapter and for all the memories we’ll create here!!” The couple is preparing for their wedding plans before moving. Noah proposed at a beachfront San Diego home in August 2023, marking the beginning of a new phase in their relationship.

Serena Pitt and Joe Amabile, both finalists on different seasons of The Bachelor, decided to go ahead and get legally married at City Hall in New York City, about a year after leaving “Bachelor in Paradise” as an engaged couple. They plan to have a formal wedding ceremony next September as well. Serena shared a video from their small city hall wedding on her podcast, the “Bachelor Happy Hour”, with the caption “JUST MARRIED!”. She added, “We are still having a big wedding in September, but who doesn’t want to get married twice?

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it as follows:

“I am absolutely smitten by you, Mari,” said Kenny Braasch, renowned boy band manager, as he placed a sparkling Neil Lane diamond on Mari Pepin’s finger during the finale of Paradise in 2021. “My life feels incomplete without your presence.”

Fast forward to our story, the allure of Maryland beauty queen, who initially captivated Bachelor Matt, led her to Chicago, where I, Kenny, reside. In preparation for our eternal journey together, we planned our forever. Before tying the knot in a picturesque oceanfront ceremony with 65 guests in Puerto Rico in November 2023, we made a symbolic gesture of love during a trip to the Bahamas in May 2023 by getting matching tattoos.

Status: Married

Previously on Bachelor in Paradise season seven (2021), Becca Kufrin and Thomas Jacobs, one of Katie Thurston’s suitors, started dating. They broke up during the show but reconnected after filming ended. In May 2022, they announced their engagement, with Becca proposing. She expressed hope that others would feel empowered to break traditional rules. True to her words, Thomas returned the favor in October of the same year. In September 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son named Benson. On Instagram, Becca expressed her immense love and admiration for their newborn. Just weeks after welcoming Benson, the couple decided to tie the knot in a sudden ceremony on October 13th, 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 expressed during their overnight date, which included a paintball adventure, soaking in a cowboy tub, and a heart-to-heart talk under the night sky.

Lowering himself to a single knee, Blake expressed to Katie, “Your worth is as vast as the entire world, and I eagerly look forward to standing by your side and providing you with my unwavering support each day from now on.

Three months following the broadcast of their proposal, the pair revealed their separation. In identical statements, they expressed, “We’re incredibly thankful for the precious moments we experienced together and the incredible journey we navigated this year. However, we have come to understand that we are not ideally suited as lifelong companions, and it is the kindest decision for us both to proceed separately.”

Now, she is betrothed to comedian Jeff Arcuri.

Current status: In a relationship

Since Matt and graphic designer Rachael Kirkconnell parted ways during his 2021 season (followed by a brief separation and reconciliation), rumors of their breakup have circulated. However, they are indeed still very much into each other.

Matt shared exclusively with TopMob News at a Baskin-Robbins event on July 18, “Everyone should take a break from social media. Our lives are so intertwined with our phones that when anyone steps away from being online 24/7, people think it’s the end of the world.”

Marriage is the ultimate goal for this L.A.-based couple. “The positive aspect of our relationship is that we move at our own pace,” Matt said in an interview with TopMob News in 2022. “Other couples rush engagements and they’re not together anymore, so I think what we have is a successful formula and we’ll make it work.”

Status: Split

Following Clare Crawley’s 2020 season of ‘The Bachelorette’, Tayshia got to know and developed feelings for Zac Clark. Despite exiting her season as an engaged couple, Tayshia shared at a later point that their relationship had its fair share of highs and lows.

She mentioned on the “The Ben and Ashley I. Almost Famous” podcast in August 2021 that it can be tricky to maintain a new relationship while being absent for a couple of weeks, and she was being genuine and open about her feelings.

She went on to say, “It seemed as though we needed to recall why we were together after that point. And I believe that such a realization is perfectly normal.” However, it was reported by TopMob News in November 2021 that they had parted ways.

Status: Split

Clare developed a deep affection for Dale Moss during season 16 of ‘The Bachelorette’. Intriguingly, they became engaged by the fourth episode itself. However, the twists didn’t cease as weeks later, Tayshia also received an engagement proposal. Interestingly, Dale subsequently announced on social media that his relationship with the hairdresser had ended before that.

Approximately a month later, whispers of reconciliation swirled around them as they were seen together. By July 2021, following numerous reunions, Clare and Dale were solidly back together, complete with an engagement ring. However, they parted ways once more in September. Currently, Clare is blissfully married to Ryan Dawkins and the couple is eagerly awaiting their first daughter.

Status: Split

Following a short courtship with victor Hannah Ann Sluss and later a separation from second runner-up Madison Prewett, viewers were optimistic that the third attempt would be successful for Peter. Unfortunately, his bond with ‘The Bachelor’ season 24 star Kelley Flanagan did not last, as the pilot announced on New Year’s Eve in 2020 that their nine-month relationship had ended.

Pete shared on Instagram that even though our partnership held many precious moments, it ultimately didn’t succeed. However, there’s a unique affection I’ll forever carry for Kelley.

2022 saw me eagerly anticipating another flight with them, only to learn in May that our love story had arrived at its last stop.

Status: Split

After the intense 2020 conclusion, the pair shared on Instagram that they would no longer be maintaining their relationship. In simpler terms, Peter stated, “Madi and I decided to part ways amicably. We both realize this wasn’t an easy decision, but after deep discussions, we agreed it was best for us to move forward separately. The affection and regard I have for Madi will persist.

In her declaration, Madi expressed, “I’ll always hold affection and admiration for him. I firmly believe that our destinies were intertwined, and we have both grown from the encounter.

Status: Split

During season 24 of “The Bachelor,” Peter and Hannah Ann had a brief engagement. Unfortunately, by the second part of the finale, it became clear that they were facing difficulties just a month into their exclusive relationship. More specifically, Hannah Ann was taken aback when she learned about Peter’s ongoing feelings for Madison.

She voiced her feelings by saying, “All I’ve longed for is someone who would offer their entire affection as I am doing mine. And yet, you ended my first engagement.” Before returning the ring, she explained, “You took that away from me. It’s something you asked me to entrust you with. ‘Be patient with me. Have faith in me.’

Current Status: Married
After their adventurous #vanlife days, Dean Unglert (a finalist on Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay’s season) and Caelynn Miller-Keyes, who had a romance with Colton Underwood during Paradise Season 6 in 2019, have been inseparable since then.
In 2022, they got engaged and tied the knot at a camp-themed wedding in the Colorado mountains on September 23. Caelynn shared with TopMob News before their vows, “I just love him so much. I’m so 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.

2025-01-16 16:49

Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s Shocking Split: What Went Wrong?

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