'The Bachelor' Season 26: 5 things you need to know about Clayton Echard's season
Despite all the drama that went down on Season 18 of 'The Bachelorette', one thing is for sure, Michelle Young had some great men on her season. Many of them proved that they were sensitive, considerate of her feelings and ready for a real lasting relationship.
While there were some bad apples in the mix (not including Rodney Mathews here, obviously) the rest of the lot had their moments to shine. Among them was Clayton Echard, who won Michelle's students over instantly. So it comes as no surprise that he is now all set to embark on his own love story with Season 26 of 'The Bachelor'!
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When does 'The Bachelor' Season 26 release, and where can you watch it
'The Bachelor' Season 26 of 'The Bachelor' premieres on January 3, 2022, at 8/7c.
Who stars in the 'The Bachelor' Season 26
Clayton Echard
After having his heart broken by Michelle Young on Season 18 of 'The Bachelorette', Clayton Echard is all set to find the love of his life. With 31 women competing for his affection, it's time to see who makes the cut.
Echard has a bachelor's degree in health science from the University of Missouri and minored in business and Spanish. He currently works in medical sales. He is working towards an MBA and plans on starting his own business.
What is 'The Bachelor' Season 26 all about
As per the synopsis, "Clayton Echard, who was first introduced as one of Michelle Young's suitors on the current season of "The Bachelorette," not only connects romantically with the captivating Minneapolis school teacher but is also a favorite of Michelle's middle school students. Ultimately, however, Michelle sends Clayton home, leading to one of the most emotional and heart-wrenching moments in "Bachelor" history. In that one touching moment, Clayton's genuine desire to find a partner and start a family shines through, and never has it been so evident that one man deserves a second chance at finding that great love.
Nicknamed "Claynos" by his friends in the house due partly to his sculpted physique, Clayton grows stronger with every rose, opening himself up to Michelle in ways he never thought possible. This Midwestern man proves he is so much more than just a good-looking guy with a rock-hard body. He's a throwback romantic who's not afraid to put himself out there for love. Clayton graduated with a bachelor's degree in health science from the University of Missouri, where he also minored in business and Spanish. He currently works in medical sales but is embarking on his MBA with the intention of starting his own business.
A walk-on for the University of Missouri football team, Clayton quickly became a scholarship player who took on a prominent role in guiding the team to back-to-back SEC championship games and a national top ten ranking. He even had a brief stint with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks before quickly realizing his football abilities didn't quite match his business acumen. Back home in Missouri, Clayton enjoys spending time at his family home on Lake St. Louis. You can often find him there tubing out on the boat, fishing off the dock or getting competitive over some cornhole with his friends, his two younger brothers and his mom and dad.
Growing up in the idyllic suburbs of St Louis, Clayton had the perfect example of what marriage and love can be. His parents, Brian and Kelly, have been married for 29 years, and their relationship is precisely the kind Clayton so desperately wants for himself. Just like his parents, Clayton's looking for a partner, a great love and a best friend."
Host
Jesse Palmer
A former professional footballer who was a quarterback in the National Football League back in the 2000s, Palmer is now a television personality, sports commentator and actor. He was also the fifth Bachelor back in 2004 and will now be making his return to the franchise as the host for Season 26. As per his ABC bio, Palmer spoke about his journey coming full circle, from being 'The Bachelor' to the host, "For more than 20 years, 'The Bachelor' has brought the world dozens of unforgettable love stories, including at one time, my own," he said. "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."
Trailer
You can check out the trailer for Season 26 of 'The Bachelor' here.