A Surprise Encounter on the Sands of Paradise
When the sizzling teasers for the upcoming ninth season of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ dropped, fans were on the edge of their seats. Among the many surprises, the standout moment for Bachelor Nation was witnessing Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes’ unexpected reunion.
The Rekindling of Past Flames
Katie Thurston, the leading lady from the 17th season of ‘The Bachelorette’, once believed that her journey to find love had culminated when she gave Blake Moynes her final rose. The couple reveled in their engagement for three months, making it public in 2021, but alas, love had other plans. By October the same year, they parted ways.
Thurston, aged 32, recently confirmed in an Instagram Q&A session that their beach encounter was their “first time seeing/speaking since we split 1.5 years ago.” Fans are buzzing with anticipation, especially after her intriguing remark, “Can’t say much more for now.”
The teaser provided a small glimpse into their much-awaited reunion. Thurston expressed her doubts to host Jesse Palmer about Moynes’ reaction to her presence, stating, “I don’t think Blake’s going to be happy that I’m here.” On the flip side, Moynes mirrored her sentiments, admitting, “I don’t think there’s a worse scenario.”
More Than Just Closure
Adding a twist to the narrative, Thurston revealed that she wasn’t merely there for closure. This revelation came when she addressed comparisons of her arrival to Kendall Long’s similar beach encounter with her ex, Joe Amabile. Thurston clarifies, “I was NOT invited to get closure.”
The drama isn’t limited to just Thurston and Moynes. This season’s beach will host a multitude of former franchise leads. The first look of the season spotlighted familiar faces like Hannah Brown, Rachel Recchia, and the recent Bachelorette, Charity Lawson. While some, like Recchia, are there to possibly find love, others like Brown, who recently got engaged to Adam Woolard, and Lawson, engaged to Dotun Olubeko, are only making brief appearances.
Recchia, a co-leader of season 11, made her intentions clear. Though she left her season engaged to Tino Franco, she later found out he had cheated on her. Now, with a second chance in ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, Recchia believes, “things happen for a reason.”
Cast Galore: New Faces, Familiar Emotions
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ season 9 promises a rich ensemble of contestants looking for love. The cast includes Aaron Bryant, Peter Cappio, Sean McLaughlin, Aaron Schwartzman, Will Urena, Eliza Isichei, Samantha “Sam” Jeffries, Greer Blitzer, Jessica “Jess” Girod, Katherine “Kat” Izzo, Olivia Lewis, Mercedes Northup, Kylee Russell, Brooklyn Willie, and Catherine “Cat” Wong.
With such an eclectic group, the season guarantees a mix of romance, drama, and heartbreak.
Tune in for Romance under the Tropical Sun
For all the fans waiting in anticipation, mark your calendars. ‘Bachelor in Paradise‘ season 9 premieres on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. To stay updated with the latest drama from the world of ‘Bachelor’, sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter.
In this season of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’, expect the unexpected as past romances get rekindled, new alliances form, and love takes center stage once again.
Source: People
