Grant Ellis accepts a rose from ABC.
In a sense.
The 30-year-old from Houston has been named the star of “The Bachelor” Season 29 after his surprise exit from the latest season of “The Bachelorette.”
As a result, Ellis becomes the second African-American ever to hold the reins of the long-running franchise.
“A self-proclaimed mama’s boy, Ellis instantly lights up every room he enters with his infectious smile and unwavering positivity,” ABC’s official description of his new protagonist 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 balls at the bowling alley, or belting out a song Song.
While pursuing Jenn Tran as a contestant on The Bachelorette, Ellis spoke to Tran about the impact his father’s substance abuse issues had on him, and Tran described her struggles with her absent father.
There seemed to be a connection — heck, Ellis even said he was in love — but then Tran told Grant to pack his bags ahead of next week’s hometown date episode.
“I want a family, you know?” he 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 everything to me in return. I don’t know how else to What to say. I didn’t expect this to happen tonight.
Ellis added after being eliminated:
“I poured everything out and it still wasn’t good enough. It sucks knowing that you feel a certain way for someone and they don’t feel the same way about you.
Going forward, however, as the Bachelor himself, Ellis will be in control of that emotional process.
When Ellis took over the role, ABC noted, “Ellis desires to embark on a journey filled with romance, adventure and genuine connection.
“He wants to find a partner who shares his values of loyalty, good humor and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.”
We’re sure Grant Ellis has that hope too.
Based on the history of the series, we’re also convinced it won’t actually come to fruition. But hey, we’re rooting for this guy! He seemed friendly 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 Bachelorette.
“I feel privileged to be the mother of four wonderful children and the grandmother of two beautiful grandchildren (they call me Jojo). But once a mother, always a mother, sometimes the time is not right to look for love,” the the budding reality star wrote on her Instagram Story in October.
“Everyone in the family is doing well and I hope one day I can get another chance at love.”
The Bachelorette premieres Wednesday, September 18 at 8/7c on ABC.
