Bachelor alum Colton Underwood makes a major reveal about his sexuality

The chaos of 2020 gave Bachelor alum Colton Underwood time to reflect. After such a difficult year, he decided it was finally time to "take back" his life. In an exclusive interview with Good Morning America, the reality star and former football player came out as gay. 

"I'm the happiest and healthiest I've ever been in my life, and that means the world to me," he told Robin Roberts. 

The sit-down was emotional for both parties, as the star discussed his struggles and demons, even noting suicide attempts. 

"I got to a place where I didn't think I was ever going to share this. I would've rather died then say, 'I'm gay,' and I think that was sort of my wakeup call," he revealed.

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The interview also touched on his religious upbringing and knowing he felt different at about six years old. Despite grappling with these feelings, he went onto starring in one of reality TV's biggest TV shows about finding love. Fans first learned about Colton on Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette. Subsequently, he ended up dating Tia Booth on Bachelor in Paradise before being named 2019's Bachelor. 

He regrets how certain relationships paned out—some of which were tumultuous at times—and would behave differently if he could. However, it seems his past relationships were the stepping stone he needed to find himself.  

"I can sit here and say I'm sorry to all those women, and I can also say thank you. Because without them, without the Bachelor franchise, I don't know if this would've ever came out," he said.

As for what's next? Colton is ready to connect with someone and encourages people to make themselves happy when the time feels right for them.

"Keep fighting for you. Keep choosing you every morning," he said.