Bachelor Nation finally has a new host for the upcoming season of The Bachelor. ABC decided to hand its final rose to former NFL player Jesse Palmer, who will be taking over as the host of the reality dating show.
When Chris Harrison exited The Bachelor after 19 years as host, Bachelor Nation was left wondering who would take his place. The hunt for a replacement left the creators with no choice but to find temporary celebrity hosts for Bachelor in Paradise, like David Spade. Now, as season 26 of the long-running show approaches, Jesse is ready to make a reappearance.
The news was made official on Tuesday when The Bachelor announced it on Twitter.
"Welcome back, @JessePalmerTV! Jesse Palmer will be hosting the upcoming season of #TheBachelor," they wrote.
Welcome back, @JessePalmerTV! 🌹 Jesse Palmer will be hosting the upcoming season of #TheBachelor. pic.twitter.com/f4yb1hnvY4September 28, 2021
The TV personality is no stranger to Bachelor Nation either. In fact, this is all too familiar territory for the reality star as he was once a part of the series. Get to know our new host below, as he prepares to guide the next Bachelor through his journey to love.
Who is the new host of The Bachelor?
Jesse Palmer will officially be taking over as host for season 26 of The Bachelor. Previously, he has been a sports analyst for ESPN, but now he'll be trading sports for roses as he assists the next Bachelor in his journey to find love.
Jesse announced his excitement about the role on Instagram, and seems prepared to fill the shoes Chris Harrison left behind.
"Bachelor Nation—I couldn’t be more thrilled to be home with my @bachelorabc family! Word on the street is it’s pretty AMAZING around here!" he wrote.
Was Jesse Palmer ever The Bachelor?
Don't let the sports background fool you, as the newest host Jesse will be bringing with him knowledge from his own season of The Bachelor. Bachelor Nation fans may recognize him from season 5 of the series back in 2004.
His season was significant because it marked the first time a professional athlete was the Bachelor. At the time, he was the quarterback for the NFL's New York Giants and had been named the top backup quarterback in 2002.
He was also one of the youngest Bachelors on the franchise being only 25-years-old at the time, and his Canadian roots also marked him as the first non-American lead.
Having prior experience as the Bachelor himself, he plans to use his firsthand experience to help the next one.
"For more than 20 years, The Bachelor has brought the world dozens of unforgettable love stories, including at one time, my own,” he said in a statement. “Falling in love is one of life’s greatest gifts, and I am humbled by the opportunity to return to the show as host this season to offer the newest Bachelor advice gained from firsthand experience and I am grateful to play a small part in his journey.”
Who is Jesse Palmer's wife?
Unfortunately, Jesse and his then-Bachelor boo, Jessica Bowlin did not last. He famously gave her an airplane ticket instead of an engagement ring at the end of his run as the Bachelor, but the couple ended things only a few months after the show ended.
Fast-forward to today and the new host is currently not married, but he does have a long-time fiancée—Emely Fardo.
He started dating the Brazilian model back in 2017 and two years later announced their engagement after a romantic getaway in Paris.
Emily is known to reference Jesse as her "Instagram husband" or even "husband" on the social media platform, but no photos or details of a wedding have been revealed.
She even changed her name to Emely Fardo Palmer on Instagram hinting at the possibility of a secret wedding, but nothing has been confirmed.
Why did Chris Harrison leave The Bachelor?
The former host received backlash after defending Rachael Kirkconnell's racism. His actions were met with criticism from former Bachelor and Bachelorette alum as well as fans.
In response, Chris took a leave from the show and received sensitivity training, and publicly apologized for his actions. It wasn't enough though and most fans called for his replacement.
Eventually, the host announced he was leaving and the show found celebrity hosts and former contestants Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe to take over.
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