Contestant Rick Leach from The Bachelorette revealed why he wore a silver platter costume on the first night of Michelle Young's season. Rick's entrance was both hilarious and creepy. As a crew member wheeled out the costume, Rick hid inside. His costume was a full-sized table set with plates of food and candles, including a cloche that served up Rick's head on a platter. When an unsuspecting Michelle lifted the lid after saying it looked like it was straight out of a horror movie, Rick's head popped out and he shouted, "Michelle!"
Rick then went on to tell Michelle about the special for the night, describing himself. "The special comes from Los Angeles, California. Perfectly aged at 32 years. Sweet, with a little bit of spice," Rick said. Co-hosts Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe, who were watching from afar, commented they had never seen such a clever entrance before. When Rick was wheeled into the room with the other guys, they laughed, but Rick was then stuck in the costume for most of the night. Later, he emerged from the table, and he and Michelle had a good conversation about their shared goals. He said he wants the same thing as Michelle, which is to be married and have kids. Michelle called him "charming, charismatic" and said, "there was a little bit of chemistry." Rick later received a rose from Michelle.
On the Click Bait with Bachelor Nation podcast, hosted by Joe Amabile, Natasha Parker, and Tia Booth, Rick dished about his time inside the costume and why he chose it in the first place. He revealed he wanted to make a strong first impression. He said, "I’m someone that is very lighthearted. I like to enjoy life even during the serious moments, and I like to make people laugh. And I know that you’re not guaranteed one-on-one time and I wasn't guaranteed one-on-one time with Michelle, and a big concern of mine was going home that first night if I don’t make an impression." Rick explained everyone on the show makes a lot of sacrifices to be there, so he didn't want to go home on the first night.
Rick also said the costume served not only as a way to make Michelle laugh, but also as a vehicle for him to introduce himself to her. "The story behind the table itself is I love food and I know she’s kind of a foodie herself. And in my past, in high school and also in college, I worked in restaurants for a long period of time, so I thought it was a good way to kind of introduce a few details about me that probably a lot of people wouldn't expect." Rick said he was happy with Michelle's reaction to the costume, but there were some drawbacks to it. He explained there wasn't enough room for him to sit on his knees because there was not enough space between the table and the wood on which he was sitting. While part of the costume was pressing into his neck, Rick also wasn't expecting to sit cross-legged for as long as he did.
Rick revealed his hands weren't free, and it was awkward having the other guys help him drink throughout the night, so he didn't drink much. He has no regrets though, saying, "But in retrospect it was worth it. Looking back, it was definitely worth it. I achieved the goal." Rick made a great first impression on Michelle by serving himself up on a silver platter. Entrances on The Bachelorette are so important when a man is one of thirty suitors vying for a woman's affection. Rick definitely spiced things up. It will be exciting to see what Rick cooks up next to win Michelle's heart.
The Bachelorette airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Source: Click Bait With Bachelor Nation podcast