Chris Harrison might just be Tayshia Adams' biggest fan. The TV host revealed Tayshia is someone he always wanted to be the lead of The Bachelorette.
It was officially announced Thursday, November 5 that Tayshia will be replacing Clare Crawley as the new Bachelorette this season. Clare left the show after falling in love and getting engaged to contestant Dale Moss. Now, it is Tayshia's turn to find her one true love, just like Clare did before her.
The host of the reality series recently appeared on The Almost Famous Podcast with Ashley Iaconetti and Ben Higgins, where he discussed his love for Tayshia as the lead this season. "Tayshia is just someone who I wanted to be the Bachelorette," the 49 year old said, according to People. "I fought for her, I wanted her to be on our list, and she was. As soon as we had a chance to have another one, I was so excited when we all decided that she was it." Once production realized Clare wanted out, Chris was more than happy to welcome Tayshia as the replacement. Chris gushed about how he truly adores Tayshia and how down to earth she is. "She just has such a balance about her and this great energy. She's the type of person you want to be around," he said of the new lead. The host could not stop expressing just how happy he was for Tayshia to be The Bachelorette and for her to find her person. Chris was also excited about the men this season, as they were some of the most professional, mature guys the show has ever had. He did not want to waste men who had great potential.
After Clare's final episode, Tayshia appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where she spoke about being brought on this season. "Honestly, I got the phone call and it was more so, 'Hey you're the girl,' and I'm like, 'I got you.' And I was there," she told Jimmy. What's even crazier is Tayshia was not told that Clare had left the season to continue a relationship with Dale outside the show. Everything moved so quickly that Tayshia had no time to have a moment with Clare, although she did wish they could have chatted so Clare could warn her about a few of the guys.
Chris fought for Tayshia to be The Bachelorette because he knows what a catch she is and that she deserves the love story she always wanted. Hopefully, Tayshia finds what she is looking for in Palms Springs.
The Bachelorette airs Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Sources: People