Chris Harrison is officially not returning to the Bachelor in Paradise this season. The franchise announced that comedian David Spade will be taking on hosting duties for the upcoming season, along with a rotating cast of other celebrities, yet to be announced
For years Chris has been the face of the Bachelor franchise, but after coming under fire for defending past contestant Rachael Kirkconnell's racism, the host took a step back from the show.
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Hosting Bachelor in Paradise is something David Spade knows he will enjoy. The comedian is a huge fan of the show, and has made jokes about his love for the show on Lights Out With David Spade. He's also made quips about all things Bachelor on his personal Instagram account, and spoke about his love for the show during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! back in March.
"I like it all," he said when he was asked to choose between The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. "I just make fun of whatever's in front of me."
David's comedy background almost certainly got him the gig. “The producers want to put some fun in the show. They think it’s become too serious,” an insider told Page Six. Who better to pick than a former SNL cast member?
So, will Chris Harrison ever return? Or has he seen his last final rose?
At this point, neither network ABC or the Bachelor franchise have made any formal announcements. Harrison, however, has commented that he would love to return. "I plan to be back and I want to be back," he told Good Morning America in March.
In the same interview he said he had been working with "a race educator and strategist" along with faith leaders and scholars, including academic and radio host Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.
"Dr. Dyson often talks to me about counsel, not cancel. That is full accountability … owning from that, learning from that. Seeking council from the community that you hurt, gaining experience knowledge and moving forward," Harrison said.
