Grant Ellis accepted a rose from ABC.
In a manner of speaking.
Following his somewhat surprising departure from last season of The single womanThis 30-year-old from Houston was named the star of season 29 of The Bachelor.
Ellis thus becomes the second African-American to lead the long-running franchise.
“A self-proclaimed mama’s boy, Ellis has an infectious smile and unwavering positivity that instantly lights up every room he enters,” ABC’s official description of its new lead reads.
“The former professional basketball player is passionate about his career as a day trader, but when he’s not immersed in the fast-paced world of finance, you can find him cheering on the Lakers, hitting strikes at the bowling alley or singing songs at karaoke nights.”
While scouting Jenn Tran as a contestant on The Bachelorette, Ellis spoke to Tran about the impact her father’s substance abuse issues had on him, while Tran described her struggles with her absent father.
There seemed to be a connection (heck, Ellis even said she was falling in love), but then Tran fired Grant before next week’s hometown date episode.
“I want a family, you know?” she said on the Aug. 12 episode of The Bachelorette.
“I want to be happy. I want a wife. I want to be in love. I want that, you know? I want to give everything to someone and I want them to give me everything in return. I don’t know what else to say. I didn’t think that was going to happen tonight.”
Ellis added after his elimination:
“I left everything behind and it wasn’t enough. It’s horrible to know that you have feelings for someone and that person doesn’t feel the same way about you.”
Looking ahead, however, like The Bachelor himself, Ellis will be in control of this emotional process.
On taking on the role, ABC notes, “Ellis is eager to embark on a journey filled with romance, adventure and genuine connections.
“She hopes to find a partner who shares her values of loyalty, humor and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.”
We’re sure Grant Ellis hopes so.
We’re also pretty sure, based on the history of this series, that it will never come true. But hey, we’re rooting for this guy! He seems nice and genuine.
Season 29 of The Bachelor will likely premiere in January 2025.
However, before it airs, Joan Vassos will star in the first season of The Golden Bachelorette.
“It’s a privilege to be a mother to four wonderful children and a grandmother (they call me Jojo) to two beautiful grandchildren. But once a mother, always a mother and sometimes the timing just isn’t right to find love,” the new reality star wrote on her Instagram Story in October.
“Everyone at home is doing well and I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to love again.”
The Golden Bachelorette premieres Wednesday, September 18 at 8/7c on ABC.