After not being selected as the next Bachelor, Michael Allio from Katie Thurston's season of The Bachelorette was left puzzled by the move. He bared his heart and soul to Katie as the two grew closer with every passing day. It wasn't meant to be for the potential couple as Michael made the hard decision to travel back home in support of his 4-year-old son, James. Fans were naturally drawn to his emotional past and refreshing honesty, making him presumably one of the best candidates to star as the next Bachelor.
Michael was a fan-favorite very early on in Katie's season. He didn't shy away from talking about his difficult past, particularly in regards to the passing of his wife Laura Ritter-Allio -- who died from cancer at the age of 33. Despite the tragic loss, Michael was able to step out of his comfort zone and really commit to the process. In a heart-felt episode, he decided to share his story with Katie and even his fellow castmates. It meant a lot to Katie seeing him so honest despite being on such a big and popular stage that is The Bachelorette.
Michael said on his Instagram Stories on Sunday, "Hm. I don't know" in response to why he wasn't chosen as the next Bachelor. Unfortunately, Michael's connection with Katie wasn't strong enough to compel him to stay on the show. That still didn't mean a second chance at love was fully extinguished. Buzz started picking up on Michael's high probability of being named the next Bachelor. Fans were thus shocked to find out he was taken out of the running when news broke that one of Michelle Young's suitors would be stepping in instead. That man is none other than Clayton Echard, who Michael shouted out on his Instagram Stories on Sunday.
It wasn't news Michael and Bachelor Nation were expecting, especially considering he was approached earlier about being the lead of season 26. He talked about this matter on Nick Viall's podcast, The Viall Files. Michael would go on to say, ''There have been discussions. No decisions have been made.'' The one thing that caused some pause was his son, James. They have a strong relationship and Michael would have been hesitant putting him in the same position as before. Michael added, ''My son, my lifestyle, what do I want after this? Am I ready to introduce my son to random people that he doesn’t know?''
Maybe this turn of events is best for Michael and his family. They've been through a lot with the passing of Laura and things not working out with Katie. Being thrown back into the spotlight even more so may not have been the best move. Wherever he decides to go from here, he'll always have a wave of support from fans that watched his journey on Katie's polarizing season of The Bachelorette. Maybe another opening will present itself still later on down the road, such as on Bachelor in Paradise or a future Bachelor season.
Sources: Michael Allio, The Viall Files