Spill the tea! Tayshia Adams appeared on Bachelor: The Greatest Seasons Ever on Monday, August 30, following news she stepped in for Clare Crawley as the new Bachelorette. The former contestant had a virtual interview with host Chris Harrison during the re-airing of Nick Viall’s season of The Bachelor.
Tayshia, 29, was specifically invited on the episode to share her thoughts about how Rachel Lindsay, who finished third during Nick’s season and went on to become the Bachelorette, impacted her time in the franchise.
“I am very used to being the minority. So, seeing someone on TV have such a strong role and identify with me meant so much,” the California native explained. She added the Dallas attorney, 35, “encouraged” her because she’s so “true and authentic.”
Unfortunately, Tayshia stayed hush-hush about the details surrounding season 16, which premieres on October 13. She did gush over Matt James becoming the first Black Bachelor. “I love that he’s a fresh face, but we also kind of know him … I think he’s going to open the door for a lot of people,” she said about the former football player, 28.
Life & Style exclusively broke the news on July 30 that Clare, 39, threatened to quit the show because she had already “fallen in love” with contestant Dale Moss just 12 days into filming. Talks among production revealed days later that the leading lady and NFL player, 31, are now engaged.
On August 3, Life & Style confirmed Tayshia stepped in for Clare to take over the rest of the season. Considering the Sacramento native only made it a couple of weeks into the season, chances are she didn’t form a strong connection with many of the other contestants.
“The guys that are now left are just happy to get another chance at love,” dished the insider. “The show is going to go on with a new Bachelorette and they are excited. Producers have to be creative, but they like the element of surprise and are hoping it will draw more interest.”
The remaining guys are definitely lucky to have a shot with Tayshia. Before Clare was announced as the Bachelorette in March 2020, it was rumored that Tayshia was also being interviewed for the spot after a few stints in the franchise.
Fans were excited about the possibility of Tayshia becoming the lead for season 16 — and so was Bachelor Nation. “She is just so likable … She’s just pretty fantastic,” franchise alum Ashley Iaconetti exclusively told Life & Style in February.
The former phlebotomist first appeared on Colton Underwood’s season of The Bachelor, where she finished in the top three. She then struck up a romance with John Paul Jones during season 6 of Bachelor in Paradise. The reality pair left the beach in Mexico separately but rekindled their relationship off-camera. They were happily dating during the live aftershow in August 2019 but split for good two months later.
However, there is no bad blood between the exes. “I’m really happy and excited for her on this new journey. I hope she finds the love and happiness that she deserves,” the Maryland native, 25, told Us Weekly on August 3.
We hope both ladies find lasting love!