As Jenn Tran’s season on The Bachelorette draws closer to its end, ABC has announced that Grant Ellis will be the next Bachelor, ready to start his own journey of handing out roses. The 30-year-old former professional basketball player was eliminated during the Monday, August 12 episode, as Jenn narrowed down her final four contestants.
Grant’s exit from the show was an emotional moment. “I poured everything out and it wasn’t good enough. It just sucks knowing that you feel some way about somebody, and they don’t feel the same about you,” he shared in a candid moment with the cameras, capturing the heartbreak that comes with unrequited feelings.
The final four men competing for Jenn’s heart—Devin Strader, Marcus Shoberg, Jeremy Simon, and Jonathan Johnson—will be hosting her for hometown dates on the upcoming episode. As Jenn continues her journey, Grant is gearing up to embark on his own as the next star of The Bachelor.
According to a press release from ABC, Grant Ellis is more than ready to find love. “A self-proclaimed mama’s boy, Grant’s infectious smile and unwavering positivity instantly brightens every room he enters,” the network described. With a background in professional basketball and a current career as a day trader, Grant’s life is a blend of excitement and dedication. Outside of work, he’s a passionate Lakers fan, enjoys bowling, and loves singing his heart out at karaoke nights.
ABC further highlights that Grant is eager to start his journey as The Bachelor, seeking romance, adventure, and genuine connections. The network notes that he hopes to find a partner who shares his values of loyalty, humor, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Grant’s season will also be significant as he becomes the second Black Bachelor in the show’s history, following Matt James, who took on the role in 2021. This milestone is a testament to the growing diversity and representation within The Bachelor franchise.
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In addition to Grant’s exciting new role, Bachelor Nation is also looking forward to the first-ever Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos. Joan, 61, initially appeared on The Golden Bachelor, where she left early to support her daughter, who had just given birth. Reflecting on her journey, Joan expressed her surprise and gratitude for being remembered by fans and having the opportunity to return for her own season.
Meanwhile, The Golden Bachelor himself, Gerry Turner, 73, recently made headlines after he and his winner, Theresa Nist, ended their marriage after just three months. However, not all Bachelor love stories end in heartbreak. The season 28 Bachelor, Joey Graziadei, is engaged to his final rose recipient, Kelsey Anderson, and the couple is still going strong. Additionally, The Bachelorette season 20 star, Charity Lawson, is set to marry her chosen one, Dotun Olubeko, in 2025.
With Grant Ellis set to take on the mantle of The Bachelor and Joan Vassos leading The Golden Bachelorette, Bachelor Nation has an exciting lineup to look forward to. The Golden Bachelorette premieres on ABC on Wednesday, September 18, while Grant’s season of The Bachelor is expected to premiere in January 2025.