Taylor Frankie Paul, the outspoken star of Hulu's hit series "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," is trading in her complex family life for a chance at love on ABC's "The Bachelorette." The announcement, made Wednesday during an interview with Alex Cooper on the popular podcast "Call Her Daddy," sent shockwaves through the reality TV world. Paul, a 31-year-old mother of three, will lead season 22 of the beloved franchise, slated to premiere in 2026.
Paul's journey to becoming the next Bachelorette is as compelling as the show itself. She first gained prominence on TikTok as part of the popular MomTok group, alongside her "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" co-stars, including Jennifer Affleck, Mayci Neeley, Whitney Leavitt, Layla Taylor, Demi Engemann, Jessi Ngatikaura, and Mikayla Matthews. The Hulu series, which recently received its first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program, follows the group as they navigate the aftermath of a highly publicized swinging sex scandal. The show's upcoming third season, releasing all 10 episodes on November 13th, promises even more drama.
Viewers of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" have witnessed Paul's personal journey unfold over the past two seasons. Season one explored her relationship with Dakota Mortensen, including the couple's heartbreaking miscarriage and the eventual arrival of their son, Ever True, in March 2024. Season two then delved into the complexities of her breakup with Mortensen and the challenges of co-parenting. Now, Paul is ready to embark on a new chapter, seeking love and companionship amongst a diverse group of potential suitors on "The Bachelorette."
The selection of Paul as the lead reflects a growing trend in reality television – embracing diverse stories and relatable characters. Her candid and often humorous approach to life, even amidst difficult circumstances, is likely to resonate with audiences and add a unique dynamic to the upcoming season. The wait until 2026 will certainly be a long one, but anticipation for Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette journey is already building.
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Originally published at: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/bachelorette-season-22-taylor-frankie-paul/story?id=125403612
