“Taylor Frankie Paul, MomTok star and Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast member, is named lead of The Bachelorette Season 22—marking a historic casting change and premiering in early 2026.”
In a landmark shift for the franchise, Taylor Frankie Paul has been officially announced as the lead for Season 22 of The Bachelorette, marking the first time in its over two-decade history that the show’s leading lady comes from outside the Bachelor ecosystem.
From MomTok Fame to Reality TV Trailblazer
At just 31, Taylor Frankie Paul first captured public attention as a prominent figure in the “#MomTok” community on TikTok. Her authenticity, humor, and emotional openness earned her a massive following. She later rose to broader fame starring in Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, a reality series that exposed a controversial "soft-swinging" scandal within Mormon influencer circles.
Her journey wasn’t without drama: a divorce in 2022 and subsequent relationships, including a turbulent romance with Dakota Mortensen, have played out publicly—and even became part of her reality TV narrative.
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Stepping into Romance—and Reality
Introduced on the Call Her Daddy podcast on September 10, Taylor confessed the news still felt surreal. "It has not hit me… it’s not real… until I think the limo is pulling up,” she shared, reflecting both excitement and nerves as she accepted her starring role .
The forthcoming season of The Bachelorette is scheduled to premiere in early 2026, with no new season airing in 2025.
Why This Casting Matters
- Historic Casting Move — Taylor is the first lead to be selected from outside the Bachelor universe—an intentional choice by ABC, signaling a push for fresh narratives and cross-property synergy.
- A Story of Resilience — As a single mother of three, Taylor’s candid sharing of her real-life chaos and strength resonates deeply with many viewers seeking authenticity.
- Franchise Reboot — Following controversies and workplace culture concerns stemming from earlier seasons, ABC appears to be refreshing Bachelor Nation with this bold casting decision.
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