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Who will replace Chris Harrison on 'The Bachelor'? From Bernie Sanders to Greta Thunberg, fans nominate new hosts

Fans choose replacements from ex-Bachelors Wells Adams and Rachel Lindsay to themselves after racism row

Longtime host of 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette', Chris Harrison on Saturday, February 13 announced  that he is 'stepping aside' from the franchise for an indefinite 'period of time.' The announcement comes in the wake of a controversial interview, in which he defended contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s past racist behavior.

"This historic season of The Bachelor should not be marred or overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions," Harrison wrote in an Instagram post announcement, referencing the current lead of the show, Matt James, who is the first Black male lead. "To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for the After the Final Rose special." Harrison added that he was "dedicated" to educating himself on a more profound and productive level, and that he wanted to ensure the cast and crew, friends, colleagues and fans, that "This is not just a moment, but a commitment to much greater understanding that I will actively make every day."

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Fans welcomed the TV show host's bowing out, saying "Well, there you have it. Chris Harrison is stepping aside (for now?) As he should. #TheBachelor" People came up with a variety of replacements, ranging from stand-up comedians Michelle Buteau and Eric Andre to Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg. "I’d like to nominate Michelle Buteau to replace Chris Harrison," read a tweet. "replace chris harrison with greta thunberg!!!!!!!", a tweet read, while another said, "replace chris harrison with bernie sanders!!!!!!".  Another said, "BREAKING: Anthony Napoli, former host of the critically acclaimed reality dating series “The Hunk” has been chosen to replace Chris Harrison as the host of The Bachelor."

Some people thought they themselves would replace Harrison. "i want to be the one to replace chris harrison. do u know how much drama i could stir. and the advice i could give. i can say “this is the final rose of the evening” week after week," a Twitter user said. "Can I replace Chris Harrison? It has always been my dream job," said another. Many seemed to agree that former 'Bachelorette' contestant Wells Adams should replace Harrison. "Hope Wells Adams is ready to step up and replace Chris Harrison on #TheBachelor," said a tweet. Another ex-Bachelor, Mike Johnson seemed to be a popular choice.  "Replace Chris Harrison with Mike Johnson," a tweet said. Rachel Lindsay was another fan-favorite, as a fan went on to say, "Can Rachel Lindsay replace Chris Harrison?? I’m ready to see true love stories on this show & not an overwhelming amount of trash drama and racist cast members."