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THE final countdown has started as Matt James' season of The Bachelor comes to a close on Monday, March 15.

must choose between finalists and in the upcoming season finale.

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Matt James' quest for love comes to an end in the season finale of The Bachelor
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Matt James' quest for love comes to an end in the season finale of The BachelorCredit: Getty

Will there be an After the Final Rose episode on The Bachelor this year?

will air immediately after 's season finale.

On Saturday, February 27, former announced he accepted ABC’s rose and will be officiating James’ post-finale spinoff.

Acho will host The Bachelor special after long-time host was forced to step down following the show's .

Acho broke the news on Twitter, writing: “IT’S OFFICIAL: I’ve accepted the Rose & am honored to be hosting The Bachelor After the Final Rose this year.

Emmanuel Acho will host The Bachelor: After The Final Rose, which will air on Monday, March 15, on ABC
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Emmanuel Acho will host The Bachelor: After The Final Rose, which will air on Monday, March 15, on ABCCredit: Twitter

“It’s been a pivotal season & this episode will be one of the most storied shows in its history. Empathy is needed and change is coming. See y’all then!”

In a separate tweet, he called his new gig "life changing," while adding he "can’t wait!"

The retired Philadelphia Eagles linebacker kept to the theme of the show as he held up a rose for his first hosting shot.

Dressed in a navy pinstripe suit,  brushed the rosebud close to his face as he struck a serious pose for the camera.

What time does After The Final Rose start?

After The Final Rose will air on ABC at 10pm EST.

will air at 8pm EST on the same network.

Rachael Kirkconnell, one of the finalist in The Bachelor, came under fire after photos of her at controversial antebellum party resurfaced online
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Rachael Kirkconnell, one of the finalist in The Bachelor, came under fire after photos of her at controversial antebellum party resurfaced onlineCredit: Instagram

Will Chris Harrison return as the host of The Bachelor?

ABC Entertainment along with Warner Horizon announced Harrison will not return for the next season of .

Instead, the networks announced that former .

",'" the statement read.

";We support Chris in the work that he is committed to doing.

Michelle Young is the other finalist on The Bachelor
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Michelle Young is the other finalist on The BachelorCredit: Instagram

"In his absence, former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will support the new Bachelorette through the next season.

"As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion within 'The Bachelor' franchise, we are dedicated to improving the BIPOC representation of our crew, including among the executive producer ranks.

"These are important steps in effecting fundamental change so that our franchise is a celebration of love that is reflective of our world," the statement concluded.

Harrison's future in the ABC franchise remains unknown even after .

Season 25 contestant  was discovered to have  in 2018

After  for her social media history, the problems escalated when host Harrison stood in her corner  with former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay on Extra.

In the interview, Harrison said: “We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion.

“Because I've seen some stuff online… again, this 'judge, jury, executioner' thing where people are just tearing this girl's life apart.

“And diving into…her parents voting record...it's unbelievably alarming to watch this!

Chris Harrison's future with the ABC franchise remains unknown
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Chris Harrison's future with the ABC franchise remains unknownCredit: GMA

"I haven't heard Rachael speak on this yet, and until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say [anything]?”

Following the backlash from his comments, Harrison announced on February 13 that he would be "stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for the After the Final Rose special."

What is Chris Harrison's net worth?

.

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Rumors say that he apparently got paid $600,000 per Bachelor episode and his salary has reached $8million on the show.

He has been the Bachelor host since 2002, as well as all its spin-offs.

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