Jesse Palmer Believes Matt James Could Return as the Bachelor
While fans continue to process the breakup of Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell, Us is left curious if they might eventually find their way back to giving (or receiving) roses again.
“I think it’s still a possibility,” host Jesse Palmer shared with Us Weekly during a special interview regarding his collaboration with Great Clips. “Initially, I was quite saddened to hear about their split. My hope is that both of them are doing well during this difficult period. They surely need time to come to terms with what has transpired.”
On Thursday, January 16, James, 33, revealed that he and Kirkconnell, 28, had ended their relationship. He made the announcement using a throwback photo from season 25 of The Bachelor where they first connected four years ago.
“I think the last thing on their minds is rushing back into the show,” Palmer added. “These matters are well beyond my control. However, I genuinely believe the show would consider reintroducing one or both of them in the future if they’re amenable to it. Absolutely.”
As Kirkconnell and James become the latest headline-makers in Bachelor Nation with their breakup, the most recent season of the franchise — The Golden Bachelorette featuring Joan Vassos — concluded with an engagement.
Rachael Kirkconnell, Matt James. Noam Galai/Getty Images
“They’re everywhere,” Palmer remarked to Us regarding Vassos and her fiancé Chock Chapple. “They’re currently in New York, visiting her family, and then they’re back in Kansas — they’re quite the hard-to-follow couple from Bachelor Nation.”
Vassos, 62, and Chapple, 61, have expressed that they aren’t in a rush to tie the knot.
“Yet, I know they’re both very enthusiastic,” Palmer added. “They’re relishing in each other’s company. And honestly, I hope wedding bells are on the horizon very soon, but they deserve this time to savor each moment. If they need someone to officiate, I’m available.”
Meanwhile, Palmer is preparing for the debut of Grant Ellis’ season 29 of The Bachelor.
Jesse Palmer. Disney/John Fleenor
“I can’t speak for Grant, but I sense he’s quite satisfied with how everything concluded,” Palmer hinted to Us. “He’s really eager for everyone to see how it all plays out. Grant is an easy guy to cheer for; I’m a fan of his, and I know he has found success in various areas of his life outside of romance [thus far].”
Fans eagerly anticipating the return of the ABC series have frequently seen Palmer on the network through his Great Clips commercial, which ran during the College Football Playoff and highlighted the brand’s $9.99 haircut offer.
“I’m sorry, not sorry,” he joked with Us about the frequency of the ad’s airtime. “I had a blast doing it. It was fantastic. This is such a wonderful time of year — with the national championship and playoffs. We all want to look and feel our best. It’s amazing.”
The Great Clips coupon is applicable only at participating salons until January 31, 2025.
