Wells Adams.Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty
The Bachelorwill have a new host come the new year — andWells Adamsis a tad disappointed that it isn’t him.
In September, ABC announced that season 5BachelorleadJesse Palmerwould take over as host of the show as of season 26, which premieres on Jan. 3, 2022, followingChris Harrison’s departure from the franchise in June.
At the 2021 People’s Choice Awards,The Bacheloretteseason 12 alum Adams toldUs Weeklythat he was “a little bit” sad to not land the role.
“But I was neverThe Bachelor, so I understood the decision,” the reality star told the outlet Tuesday on the red carpet. “I also know Jesse really well, I’ve worked with him before. So I get him being the host, he wasTheBachelor[so it] totally makes sense. You know, I’m happy [for him].”
Palmer, 43, has previously hosted ABC reality shows such asThe Proposal(2018) andThe Ultimate Surfer(2021), as well asThe Holiday Baking Championshipon the Food Network. The former NFL quarterback has also been with ESPN since 2007 and currently serves as a college football analyst for the network.
On Monday, Adams toldUs Weeklythat “change is hard” for theBacheloraudience, but still thinks highly of Palmer despite how “weird” it may be for some when they initially watch him host. “He’s a wonderful dude, so I’m happy,” he shared.
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However, the formerBachelorfranchise contestant isn’t closing the door on one show. “There’s no host for[Bachelor in] Paradiseyet,” he suggested, “so we’ll see.”
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Palmer is stepping into the new hosting role nearly seven months after Harrisonparted ways withThe Bachelorfranchise. Harrison sparked controversy for appearing to defend formerBachelorcontestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who had been called out for old social media posts in which she was seen attending an antebellum plantation-themed college party and dressed in Native American attire for a costume in 2018 (She has sinceapologized).
In a February interview with formerBachelorettestarRachel LindseyonExtra, Harrison suggested Kirkconnell be treated with “a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion” before questioning the “lens” of the photos in 2021 versus 2018.
Harrison laterapologized in a statementfor “wrongly speaking in a manner that perpetuates racism” and announced that he would be “stepping aside” fromThe Bachelorindefinitely a few days later.
Amy Sussman/Getty
In the interim,Tayshia AdamsandKaitlyn Bristowehave stepped in as hosts for back-to-back seasons ofThe BachelorettestarringKatie ThurstonandMichelle Young.
After being announced as the series' new host in September, Palmer gushed over the opportunity to host the reality franchise.
Season 18 ofThe Bacheloretteis currently airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
source: people.com
