Becca Kufrin was the first Bachelor Nation alum to join Bachelor In Paradise after being a lead. She found love on Season 7 with Thomas Jacobs. They married in 2023, shortly after welcoming their first child. Bachelorette Rachel Recchia followed in Becca’s footsteps for BIP Season 9 but didn’t find love. Could Clayton Echard be the first male Bachelor lead to join Bachelor In Paradise?
Clayton Echard Makes Rare Bachelor Nation Appearance After Paternity Scandal
Clayton Echard hasn’t been seen much at Bachelor Nation events since his Bachelor season finale in March 2022. He left the show single but reconnected with frontrunner Susie Evans. The two dated for about six months before breaking up. However, they have remained good friends.
Susie was among the Bachelor Nation stars to show support for Clayton during a messy paternity lawsuit. A woman claimed to be pregnant with twins by the reality star. The whole thing turned out to be a hoax, but Clayton Echard’s image was damaged by the allegation.
He made a rare appearance at Grant Ellis’ After The Final Rose special earlier this week. Clayton reunited with Susie at the event. His attendance made fans wonder if he will be on Season 10 of Bachelor In Paradise.
Will He Join Season 10 Of Bachelor In Paradise
Bachelor In Paradise returns for Season 10 this summer after a year-long pause. The show was left off the 2024 schedule after poor ratings for Season 9. ABC is going big for the return with a shocking twist. Golden Bachelor and Golden Bachelorette alum will join Bachelor and Bachelorette stars on the beach. So far, only four names have been revealed for the Season 10 cast.
Could Clayton Echard be among the remaining contestants yet to be named? He hasn’t publicly dated anyone since his split with Susie Evans. He’s clearly still on good terms with ABC, given his appearance at AFTR. What do fans think about Clayton having a third chance on a Bachelor Nation show?
Fans Divided Over Idea
Clayton Echard is just one of many names thrown out as possible BIP contestants. Bachelor Nation fans on social media were divided about the idea. Check out some of the varied comments:
- “Definitely not. He is 100% done.”
- “Eww I just rewatched Clayton’s season and after seeing him on this, and all his social media attempts to stay relevant and his “dancing” it’s just major ick.”
- “I hope not. He was the worst bachelor in history.”
- “Nah. Didn’t he say the show destroyed his financial situation and he’s basically unemployable in medical sales (his pre-show job)?”
- “I hope so!!! He is good tv.”
- “I’d watch…”
- “I’d like to see him on paradise, but I hope he loses the mullet first. A mullet is the fastest way to ruin any man’s appearance”
While it is just a rumor right now, there might be some truth to it. According to one fan, Bachelor Nation alum Ashley Iaconetti speculated when Susie Evans was on the Almost Famous podcast that Susie, Clayton, and Justin Glaze could all show up on the beach. Susie and Justin briefly dated after her relationship with Clayton ended.
Do you want to see Clayton Echard on Bachelor In Paradise? Sound off in the comments.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger