The Bachelor names Jesse Palmer as season 26 host after Chris Harrison’s firing over ‘racist’ comments
THE Bachelor has names Jesse Palmer as the season 26 host.
The decision comes after longtime host Chris Harrison was fired over his "racist" comments.
“For more than 20 years, The Bachelor has brought the world dozens of unforgettable love stories, including at one time, my own,” Jesse said in a statement to .
“Falling in love is one of life’s greatest gifts, and I am humbled by the opportunity to return to the show as host this season to offer the newest Bachelor advice gained from firsthand experience and I am grateful to play a small part in his journey.”
, 42, is best known as aa television broadcaster and former NFL quarterback.
He also starred as himself during season five, which aired in 2004.
HOSTING CREDENTIALS
Jesse is no stranger to The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC.
He works as a sports commentator on ESPN, while the former NFL player previously served as a special contributor on and across ABC News.
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He currently hosts the network's summer series The Ultimate Surfer and he previously hosted ABC's short lived reality series The Proposal in 2018, which was created by The Bachelor boss Mike Fleiss.
While Jesse has only signed on to serve as the host for the upcoming season, insiders told Variety that producers hope to bring him on full time for future seasons of The Bachelor and
CHRIS' FIRING
The was named months after longtime host , 50, was fired from the show.
Chris was fired after he defended Georgia contestant , who was discovered to have in 2018.
After the photos resurfaced, Chris defended her with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay on Extra.
Earlier this year, Bachelor fans were shocked when it was announced Chris would to be replaced by , 31, and , 36, for The Bachelorette.
Additionally, the franchise hired guests hosts to fill in during the most recent season of
THE NEW BACHELOR
Jesse will serve as the host as searches for love on the dating reality show.
previously reported that , 28, has been tapped as the next
Fans of the dating franchise have not yet met Clayton, who will appear as a contestant on Michelle Young's upcoming season of
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Sources told the outlet that producers quickly fell in love with Clayton and he rose to the top of the network’s shortlist.
After the network a number of other men from Bachelor Nation to fill the leading role, Clayton was named the next Bachelor.
