The search for the next lead of The Bachelorette has not been an easy one for ABC. But new information indicates the network has come full-circle, so to speak. The network’s initial choice, Katie Thurston, was reportedly dropped as Bachelorette for season 17. Now, insider Reality Steve says ABC execs have since flip-flopped on that decision. With the official announcement supposedly days away, Katie is the frontrunner for Bachelorette yet again.
Leaked spoilers about Katie being the next Bachelorette claimed she would be announced as the new lead at the Women Tell All special. But that time has come, and passed, with no announcement. Though Katie was the network’s initial choice, a push from fans for a woman of color to be the next Bachelorette caused ABC to rethink its decision. But after more deliberation, the network has doubled back and settled on its first choice.
Reality Steve recently reported that his original spoiler was correct, and Katie is once again set to become the next Bachelorette. He says the announcement will be made “in the coming days.” The spoiler guru didn’t mention where the announcement would be made, but if it is indeed coming sooner rather than later, it’s a good bet she’ll be announced on Good Morning America, rather than on the post-Bachelor finale special, After the Final Rose.
It’s unclear how fans will react to the news. Most fans like Katie, but there are other women from Matt’s season they would prefer to be the Bachelorette. If the show really wants to move in a more diverse direction, there were three incredible women of color in Matt’s top four. Plus, Abigail Heringer, who went home just before hometowns, is another excellent prospect and could be the franchise’s first Asian Bachelorette who would also represent the deaf community.
Though many fans will be happy with Katie at the helm of The Bachelorette, there are several others who think Katie shouldn't be the lead. With all the controversies this season regarding racism, it seems odd that the network would decide to turn back the wheel of progress and not take this golden opportunity to create another “first” in the franchise. The announcement is a few days away, so ABC still has time to change its mind, but with the clock ticking, it’s doubtful they will.
Source: Reality Steve