Season 22 of the beloved reality dating series The Bachelorette is poised to captivate audiences as Taylor Frankie Paul takes centre stage in her quest for love. The 31-year-old star, known from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, will welcome 22 hopeful suitors to the iconic Bachelor Mansion when the season premieres on March 22.
Diverse Cast of Contestants Revealed
ABC has officially unveiled the names, headshots, and detailed biographies of the men competing for Paul's affection. The cast represents a wide array of backgrounds, professions, and personal stories, promising a dynamic and engaging season.
Taylor Frankie Paul has been vocal about her desire to find a partner willing to relocate to Utah to be with her and her three children. This personal criterion adds a unique layer to the upcoming romantic journey.
Notable Contestants and Their Backgrounds
The roster includes several single fathers, athletes, self-proclaimed cowboys, and one individual described as a "devoted member of the Mormon church." Below is an expanded look at some of the standout contestants revealed by the network.
- Aaron Kahng, 32 – A product manager from Vineyard, Utah, labelled "total husband material" and a devout Mormon. His social media showcases a passion for fitness and cooking, and he expressed his excitement on Instagram, stating he is "here to spread love and light."
- Brad Ledford, 29 – A cowboy and entrepreneur from Newport Beach, California, who co-founded an alcoholic seltzer company and is pursuing a private pilot's license.
- Brandon Perce, 28 – A loan officer and single father of two from Spearfish, South Dakota, who hopes to match with a single mother. He is a self-described mama's boy and a fan of The Notebook.
- Casey Hux, 30 – A mechanical engineer from Nashville, Tennessee, who is a "cowboy in training" and a fan of Steve Irwin. His bio hints at testing chemistry with Paul.
- Christopher Wood, 35 – An Air Force veteran, single dad, and fitness instructor from Vacaville, California, who looks great in a cowboy hat and enjoys psychological thrillers.
- Clayton Johnson, 36 – A singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee, who describes himself as a true Southern gentleman and has spent years writing love songs for a girl he hasn't met yet.
- Conrad Ukropina, 32 – A startup founder from Santa Monica, California, with an MBA from Stanford. He founded a business in men's fertility and comes from parents with a 40-year marriage.
- Josh Harward, 28 – A sales manager from Provo, Utah, who appears to be a devout Mormon and is already followed by Taylor Frankie Paul on Instagram, suggesting a possible prior connection.
- Matt Carroll, 43 – A real estate broker and divorced father of three from Carmel, Indiana, who stands at 6ft 8in and is a former professional basketball player.
- Trenten Merrill, 35 – A pro athlete and three-time Paralympian from San Juan Capistrano, California, who specialises in long jump. His dream superpower is talking with dogs.
Additional Suitors Joining the Journey
The remaining contestants bring their own unique flavours to the competition:
- Doug Mason, 28 – An ocean lifeguard from San Diego, California, who is an avid surfer and knows how to ride a unicycle.
- Johnnie LaRossa, 30 – A former pro baseball player from Massepequa, New York, known for viral TikTok dance moves.
- Kevin Montero, 32 – A physical therapist from Miami, Florida, who loves to cry while listening to "Crash" by Dave Matthews Band.
- Lew Evans, 32 – An insurance tech founder from Salt Lake City, Utah, who stands at 6ft 8in and is a self-proclaimed "Belieber."
- Malik Evans, 30 – A tech executive from Brooklyn, New York, who loves Halloween and can easily picture a future with family time.
- Marcus Richardson, 28 – A creative director from Elmont, New York, who has modelled for major brands and once got attacked by a bird while running.
- Michael Baba, 36 – A chiropractic healer from San Diego, California, who taught himself to firespin and believes his casting was divinely guided.
- Mike Turitto, 36 – A brand protection manager from Lavallette, New Jersey, who describes himself as a reformed bad boy and an Aquaphor addict.
- Richard Van De Water, 35 – A photographer from Charleston, South Carolina, who rides a motorcycle and hunts for shark teeth.
- Rod Strozier II, 35 – An entrepreneur and 17-year military veteran from Austin, Texas, who admits it takes him a while to text back.
- Ronn Perez, 28 – An account executive from San Francisco, California, who has a 9-month-old betta fish named Finn.
- Shane Parton, 28 – A private wealth planner from Atlanta, Georgia, who is a massive Uno enthusiast and keeps a running list of the best breakfast burritos.
Anticipation Builds for Premiere
With the cast now public, fans are eagerly analysing social media clues and bios to predict potential connections. Taylor Frankie Paul's journey as the Bachelorette promises to blend heartfelt moments, dramatic twists, and the pursuit of a lasting partnership against the picturesque backdrop of the Bachelor Mansion.
The premiere on March 22 will mark the beginning of this highly anticipated season, as 22 men vie not only for Paul's heart but also for a chance at a future filled with love, family, and new beginnings in Utah.
