THE Bachelor's very controversial and historic season finale is finally here after a lot of drama and tears.
During the two-hour finale on Monday night, Rachael Kirkconnell and Michelle Young will meet Matt James' mother, Patty, and his brother, John after sending home Bri Springs.
“As the landmark 25th season comes to a close, the two final women will meet Matt’s family and enjoy one last date before he hands out the final rose,” the ABC press release reads.
“After all this, Matt’s mind seems made up, but when a shocking last-minute development threatens to alter the course of his entire journey, will he give in to his fears or let his heart lead the way?”
After Matt makes his choice, he will come face to face with both Rachael and Michelle during a conversation with After the Final Rose host Emmanuel Acho.
Acho stepped in as host after the Chris Harrison racism controversy.
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- David Boroff
FULL DISCLOSURE
The Bachelor alum Lauren Bushnell decided to be honest with fans of what kind of procedures and surgeries she’s had done on her face and body over the years.
The 31-year-old, who won season 20 of the ABC reality series, said while she hasn’t had a boob job, she has had some work done on her face.
Lauren opened up her Instagram Story on Thursday night to any questions her followers may have about her life or things they’ve always wanted to know about her.
One follower used this as an opportunity to get some scoop on any beauty procedures the reality star’s had done.
“How much work have you had to your face post bachelor?” the Instagram user asked.
Committed to being honest, Lauren admitted: “I’ve done some filler in my lips maybe 4 times and some Botox."
- David Boroff
FATHER'S DAY
Matt James broke down in tears after a heated confrontation with his estranged father, Manny, in The Bachelor's two-part finale.
In a preview from the upcoming episodes, the 29-year-old said he had "needed" his dad during his childhood and didn't want to hear "excuses."
Matt was raised by his mother, Patty, after his parents divorced when he was young following Manny's infidelity.
The reality star was visibly emotional as he came face to face with Manny at a hotel in Pennsylvania.
"When I needed you, you weren't there!" a hurt-looking Matt told his father.
Manny shot back: "Do you know what I went through with your mom?"
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COMING UP
Next week Matt James will finally have to pick between two finalists: Rachael Kirkconnell and Michelle Young.
In a preview for the next episode, Rachael says, "He didn't even want to see me today. I don't know what I'm going to do."
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THE LAST ROSE
Bri Springs said goodbye to her chance with Matt James in the fantasy suite episode on March 8, 2021 after she was eliminated.
Over a teary farewell, Matt told Bri "It's just a feeling you have with someone and it has nothing to do with you."
Bri said she can't be upset or angry, but she could be sad.
"You are going to be moving on to someone else and I think that makes it harder," is the final thing Bri told Matt before he walked her to the limo.
The Bachelor fans said goodbye to Bri Springs - [email protected]
CRACKING
Matt and Rachael shared an awkward ceramics class during the fantasy suite episode.
Rachael stopped spinning her clay and told Matt she had to talk to him privately.
"I picture you as my future husband … and knowing that you're spending really intimate time with other people… it's the lowest that I've felt," Rachael told Matt.
Matt tried to reassure Rachael by saying when he is with her, she is "all" he thinks about.
He said he was in love with Rachael before the two went back to the ceramics class.
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MELTDOWN
Rachael Kirkconnell cried in the fantasy suites episode saying it made her sick that Matt James was off on other dates with finalists Bri Springs and Michelle Young.
Up next is Matt's date with Rachael.
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DAD ON THE MIND
"That's a great question…What does marriage? What does longtime commitment look like?"
Matt told Bri about the conversation he had with his father Manny earlier in the episode, saying he needed it to happen in order to be a better partner to who ever he ends up with.
Bri said she understood and reiterated the fact that they both had complicated relationships with their fathers.
"I'm 100% ready for an engagement after this," Bri said. "I really am so in love with you because it means the world to me that you can understand me."
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PITCH A TENT
Bri Springs and Matt began their date on the fantasy suite episode by pitching a tent next to a fire.
The couple made jokes about sleeping in the tent before Matt admitted to not being keen to the idea.
"I got all this stuff I want to talk to Bri about," Matt said. "It's a testament to how comfortable I am around you."
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SIDE NOTE
Bachelor's Katie Thurston is "confirmed to be the next Bachelorette" and will be announced during After The Final Rose, a source told The Sun.
The Matt James fan-favorite was rumored to be the top choice for producers for months but it's now official as the news was revealed during the highly-anticipated finale special.
Katie ThurstonCredit:Â INSTAGRAM
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I LOVE YOU
While sipping champagne next to the fire in the fantasy suite, Michelle told Matt she loved him.
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YES BUTTER
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SPA DAY
Matt James surprised Michelle Young with a spa day during tonight's fantasy suites episode.
The two squished their feet in some oatmeal for what Matt said was an "Pennsylvania Dutch" spa day.
Later the couple oiled each other up with butter and milk for a steamy massage.
"We could be covered in milk and butter and still be comfortable," Michelle said.
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RECONCILE FOR NOW
Matt James and his father Manny embraced each other at the end of an emotional conversation involving his father cheating on his mother Patty.
While Manny did apologize to Matt and vowed to be better, the Bachelor said"it doesn't just happen over night."
Matt continues to have a close relationship with his mom and brother - [email protected]
DAD'S SIDE
Matt James quickly brought up the fact that his father Manny cheated on his mom Patty.
Manny defended himself by saying one day he came home and his wife was gone.
"For good reason," Matt said, citing his extramaterial affairs as reasons for his mom to leave.
Manny also revealed that he had a difficult life growing up in Africa and said his father was killed when he was younger.
"I'm sorry I hurt you son," Manny said in a tearful response.
"Whatever I can do to make it better, I will work on it. I want you to have a relationship that is healthy and not what I went through."
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FAMILY REUNION
Matt James and his father Manny greeted each other with a hug on the episode tonight.
Matt said he is afraid of commitment because of the relationship he saw between his parents: Manny and his mother Patty.
"When I needed you, you weren't there to have those conversations. You had other families," Matt said.
"I don't plan to make those same mistakes," Manny answered.
Matt James was raised by his mother Patty Credit: ABC
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Matt James started tonight's episode by admitting“the hardest thing is going deep” and dealing with certain emotions that are arising before seeing his father.
It's unclear when Matt last spoke to his dad ahead of their on-screen reunion, and not much is known about what Manny James does for a living or if he has a new family.
Manny James was absent for Matt James' upbringing Credit: YouTube - [email protected]
FINAL FANTASY
The fantasy suites episode for The Bachelor Season 25 is airing any moment.
The franchise heats up every season with the fantasy suites episode where contestants get to spend the night with the Bachelor in a course of three days.
The remaining three contestants are given the opportunity to spend an intimate moment with the Bachelor/ette without producers following them around.
Usually, what happens in the fantasy suites stays in the fantasy suites so contestants do not really divulge the details, but they are allowed to have sexual relationships if they desire.
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IN THE STARS?
Matt James, born on December 5, 1991, is a Sagittarius.
The leading man may have to rely on his star sign’s spontaneous decision-making reputation to handle tough decisions on this season of The Bachelor.
Sagittarius’ are also generally easy going and have the ability to make friends of both sexes from all walks of life.
However, the Bachelor may have a tough time settling down as they also have a love of freedom and typically hate routine.
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ONE HOUR
With less than an hour to go until the Bachelor airs tonight, Twitter users are getting excited.
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WHAT CHRIS SAID
After the controversial the antebellum themed party photos surface, the show's 20-year-old host was slammed for "perpetuating racism" as he "defended" Kirkconnell.
In an interview on February 9, 2021, with Lindsay – the first Black lead in franchise history – Harrison said: “We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion.
“Because I've seen some stuff online… again, this 'judge, jury, executioner' thing where people are just tearing this girl's life apart.
“And diving into…her parents voting record…it's unbelievably alarming to watch this!
"I haven't heard Rachael speak on this yet, and until I actually hear this woman have a chance to speak, who am I to say [anything]?”
Then on February 10, 2021, Harrison took to Instagram and apologized for his comments in the interview, calling them a “mistake” in a lengthy post.
Bachelor host Chris Harrison's lengthy apology after he was slammed for defending Kirkconnell's 'racist' scandalCredit: Instagram - [email protected]
'OLD SOUTH'
Rachael Kirkconnell has been under fire for her social media history, which includes photos of her at a controversial Antebellum-themed party she attended while at Georgia College & State University in 2018.
The Antebellum South was a period in the history of the southern United States, from the late 18th century until the start of the American Civil War in 1861.
Rachael Kirkconnell at a Antebellum themed party in 2018 During the antebellum years, the "elite class" created their own societal standards "defining ideals of southern white manhood and womanhood and shaping the culture of the south."
Enslaved African people made up a large portion of the southern population during this time
An Antebellum party, which is now known as an "Old South" party, is a widely known event in colleges associated with the fraternity Kappa Alpha.
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BELIEVING IN LOVE
Neil Lane, the Brooklyn born jewelry maker is known as the official ring designer for The Bachelor since 2002.
Lane has appeared in every season since 2009 to furnish its romantic hopefuls with rock of all cuts, carats and free of cost to them.
It is not clear whether Lane is married or in a relationship.
Neil Lane is the official jewelry designer for The BachelorCredit: Getty Images – Getty In an interview with The New York Times, Lane said he believes that love always works out.
"It's all about the love and affection and sharing that people have. And sometime it doesn't work out, with all the pretty finery and the lavish or exotic weddings.
"It just doesn't. But for a moment in time, there is a real unity between people, there's a real magnificent energy that comes out of these people that I'm working with. I focus on that," he added.
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SPOILERS AHEAD!
Matt didn’t get down on one knee during the finale however, he was still “happy” with the winner up until he recently called it quits, an insider told The Sun.
Last week, The Sun revealed Matt secretly visited Hannah’s BFF Heather Martin in her hometown of San Diego after the star recently “dumped” his show choice.
Heather, 25, came late onto this season of The Bachelor after her best friend, Hannah, encouraged her to pursue a relationship with Matt, 29.
Despite the ABC leading man appearing happy by the unexpected arrival, he immediately eliminated Heather out of fairness to the other women.
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TAKING A VOW
Though many fans presume that intimacy goes on behind closed doors of the Fantasy Suites, a source exclusively revealed to The Sun that Matt, 29, told the women he will NOT be hooking up on the show.
"Matt vowed to each of the three ladies he would not get physical with anyone during Fantasy Suites,” the informant claimed.
The insider continued: “He made a promise there would be no sex with the finalists.
Rachael Kirkconnell has made it into Matt's final three Credit: Instagram 
Bri Springs will also be in Matt's final three Credit: Instagram 
Newcomer Michelle Young made an impression to slip into Matt's final three Credit: Instagram - [email protected]
ALMOST TIME
Season 25 of The Bachelor premiered on January 4, 2021.
The series is beginning to come to an end but viewers can still catch the last episodes. The show airs live on ABC at 8 pm ET.
Viewers can also catch The Bachelor on streaming site Hulu. The episodes will be available on Hulu the morning after the episode airs. However, if you have Hulu + Live TV, you can watch The Bachelor as it airs.
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