Warning! Potential SPOILERS ahead for The Bachelor Season 26!
Leaked photographs of what appears to be a promo shoot production for The Bachelor might have just revealed the identity of the new leading man. Though there hasn't been an official word from ABC on the highly anticipated upcoming season, it was previously believed that Greg Grippo, a contestant from Katie Thurston's season of The Bachelorette, would be taking the title. Rumors of Greg's continued appearance with the franchise began when Reality Steve threw Greg's name into the hat, knowing very well that the franchise is great at choosing polarizing leads to draw viewers in to their weekly broadcast. The franchise previously chose Nick Viall after he had two runs on The Bachelorette and one on Bachelor In Paradise, and Arie Luyendyk after he'd been missing from the franchise for years.
Throughout the time period that Greg's name was circulating around the rumor mill, ABC had time to change course before making any indication that the beloved star-turned-franchise villain was in the running. After much pushback from Bachelor Nation, show creator Mike Fleiss tweeted that fans will actually be "happy" with the season 26 lead. Despite all of the rumors, the upcoming Bachelor will be chosen from Michelle Young's upcoming season of The Bachelorette and will begin filming swiftly after Michelle's season wraps up.
Though all of Michelle's men haven't even been announced, eagle-eyed photos exclusive to E! News suggest ABC crews have been spotted shooting promotional videos in Missouri. According to the outlet, the photos show 28-year-old orthopedic sales representative Clayton Echard. Before getting into his current line of work, the up and coming reality star was a freestyle rapper and collegiate football player. His Instagram page showcases everything across the board from wholesome family photos to risqué shirtless shots.
The new photographs also confirm that fan-favorite Tyler Cameron will not be returning to the franchise to star in his own season. Though ABC producers have wanted the former contestant, who happens to also be best friends with former lead Matt James, to take the role, it appears like the model has officially shut the opportunity down. Tyler expressed that though he's thankful for the fans he's gained along the way, the world of reality TV isn't one in which he wishes to continue to explore. Additionally, his father has become sick again and he felt it was best to stay at home.
It's interesting that ABC decided to pick their newest lead from a group of gentlemen that their viewers haven't even met. They may think Bachelor Nation will love Clayton. But with filming already on its way, it'll be too late in the game to change things up if future reactions don't go the way they planned. Though ABC has yet to confirm if the video shoot was indeed the start of the upcoming season of The Bachelor, first impressions show that Clayton seems like a gentleman who will be quite easy on Bachelor Nation's eyes.
Source: E! News