Clayton Echard may be the star of The Bachelor season 26, but according to franchise alum Clay Harbor, his cousin — fan favorite Andrew Spencer — almost held that coveted title. The producers' pick has been the subject of much scrutiny by fans, mainly because he barely got any screen time while vying for Michelle Young on The Bachelorette. Meanwhile, fans maintain a soft spot in their hearts for Andrew, a finalist on Katie Thurston's season of The Bachelorette who many wanted to see find love as the next lead of The Bachelor. New information provided by Clay reveals how close Bachelor Nation came to getting its wish.
The world was introduced to Andrew on The Bachelorette season 17, which saw the professional football player charm Katie with his sweet demeanor, sense of humor and spot-on British accent. Viewers were shocked when Katie eliminated Andrew right before hometowns. However, he didn't intend to leave without a fight. Andrew left a note for Katie that read, "If you change your mind, I'll be waiting." Though Katie sprinted down several flights of stairs to ask him to stay, Andrew ultimately decided to head home since Katie wasn't willing to choose him on the spot. Ever since, many fans have had their fingers crossed for Andrew to be named the next star of The Bachelor.
On a recent episode of the She's All Bach podcast, hosted by Stefanie Parker and Jackie Maroney, it was revealed that producers did, in fact, consider Andrew for the role. As per special guest Clay, who appeared on Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette followed by Bachelor In Paradise season 6, his cousin came very close to being the final choice. "We thought he was going to be 'The Bachelor' ... He did, I did. I thought it was in the books. Then they kind of went back and went a different direction," shared Clay, who felt Andrew would "kill it" as lead. "There's so many reasons he should've been," said Clay. "You got to see some of his sense of humor on the show. I'll never tell him this to his face, but he's one of the funniest people I know."
Clay added that it would've been "great to have an African American 'Bachelor.' We had Matt [James], who's a mix, biracial. We had Michelle. It would be cool to have a 100 percent African American 'Bachelor' as well. I think that would've been a great thing for ABC." He applauded the network for incorporating more diversity than in past years. "You've gotta give them credit there because they were under scrutiny for the longest time." Clay is referring to the pressure on ABC to part ways with longtime host Chris Harrison after he downplayed The Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell's attendance at a racist Old South Ball fraternity party.
At the end of the podcast episode, Clay responded to the question that many in Bachelor Nation are wondering - would Andrew be willing to star on an upcoming season of The Bachelor? "I think he'd do it," said Clay. "He's definitely up for it." This makes sense given that several months ago, Andrew shared that he would appear on Bachelor In Paradise if he doesn't find love in the real world. With fans, show alums and Andrew himself on board for his continued inclusion in the franchise, producers would be smart to remember Andrew when casting in the future.
Source: She's All Bach Podcast