Holy s**t! Now, this is a reality TV shakeup of epic proportions!
Following a report that producers had to call in “backup” contestants just two weeks into filming on The Bachelorette, we’ve now learned that this season’s star Clare Crawley has reportedly threatened to quit the show and Tayshia Adams, 29, is being considered to fill the lead spot.
Wait, really? After waiting six years for this opportunity since appearing on Juan Pablo Galavis‘ season of The Bachelor in 2014, the 39-year-old is ready to just give this all up? But, why?!
Related: Meet The Hunky Guys Competing On Clare’s Season Of The Bachelorette!
According to a new Life & Style report, Crawley “blindsided” the production team when she developed a lightning-fast and deep connection with a contestant named Dale Moss. She told ABC‘s crew that she’s in love and “no longer wanted to participate in the show.” Although contracts generally prevent the lead from quitting, she is “refusing to come out of her room” to film with the other guys.
A source with knowledge of the ongoing situation said:
“Producers are scrambling to figure out what to do. They are frantically trying to pick up the pieces without having to start over completely.”
Time for Plan B… or Plan T?
The insider explained that Bachelor Nation producers would like to “match [Tayshia] up with the bachelors who are left” and keep their momentum going. They said it took a great effort to test all of the men who’ve been patiently quarantined at the La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs for 14 days and they don’t want their time to be wasted. Filming is already months behind schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic and they can’t afford to wait any longer.
This idea could work and Adams, a Black phlebotomist who hails from Corona Del Mar, CA, would be a great choice considering the show’s fanbase has begged for more diverse leads in recent years. Fans met Tayshia on Colton Underwood‘s season in 2019 and she placed the third runner-up before getting sent home. She would go on to find love with John Paul Jones on the following season of Bachelor in Paradise, but the two ultimately did not last.
Before Crawley was chosen as rose-handler, there was also ample support for Adams to get the gig. Bachelor alum Ashley Iaconetti told the outlet back in February:
“[Tayshia would be a] really good choice. She is just so likable… She’s just pretty fantastic. I don’t think anybody has met Tayshia and been like, ‘Eh, she’s mediocre.’”
Very true… but we might feel some type of way if we were Tayshia!
Those guys had their heart set on meeting a different woman, and no one wants to feel like the backup choice. Or, like this was a knee-jerk reaction to diversity demands like some argued about the decision to cast Matt James as the show’s first Black male lead. Should she just be grateful for the potential opportunity? And, has ABC done their due diligence in vetting any secret racist suitors among them? This move should be handled with care!
During an Instagram Live chat with TV blogger Reality Steve on Friday, franchise alum Demi Burnett hinted it’s already a done deal, though. When asked, “what the f**k is going on with your friend Tayshia?” the 25-year-old admitted she is “not in the loop” and doesn’t know much since she was on vacation, but said she tried to contact Adams and nothing was going through. When he inquired if the texts she sent were showing up green, Demi said yes, implying Tayshia’s phone was most likely shut off. Fans know that contestants aren’t allowed to have their phone during filming, so this could be a major clue that things are moving forward.
Keep in mind, the California native uploaded a pic to IG on Friday and tagged her location as Newport Beach, so, who knows! Reacting to the rumored news about her friend, Burnett added:
“This is the most random thing! She was wonderful [on Bachelor in Paradise] and I became really good friends with her and I love her so much.”
Perezcious TV addicts, how do U feel about this move? Do U think this show can survive any more last-minute changes, or should they just scrap this season altogether and try again next year? Let us know (below) in the comments section…
[Image via Judy Eddy/Instar/WENN]
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