From Alex Michel to Zach Shallcross: Former ‘Bachelor’ and ‘Bachelorette’ Leads: Where Are They Now?

While some roses stand the test of time, others wilt before the Neil Lane engagement ring can be resized.

The Bachelor premiered on ABC in March 2002 with Alex Michel dubbed the world’s most eligible Bachelor. More than 20 women competed for his heart and one of the most successful reality TV franchises was born. The following year, The Bachelorette debuted.

Since the show’s initial premiere in 2002, 47 men and women have been named the Bachelor or Bachelorette. Brad Womack remains the only star to lead the series more than once, but in 2020, the reality series shocked viewers with an epic twist as Tayshia Adams was called in to replace Clare Crawley during season 16 of The Bachelorette.

Us Weekly confirmed at the time that producers were left "scrambling" after the hairstylist quickly fell head over heels for contestant Dale Moss. Less than two weeks into filming, the duo left as an engaged couple, leaving Tayshia to carry on with the remaining suitors.

Tayshia accepted Zac Clark's proposal at the end of the season, but the pair called it quits in November 2021. Clare and Dale, meanwhile, briefly split in January 2021 before ending their engagement for good in September of that year.

After more than 20 years on air, Tayshia and Clare's messy splits aren’t the only twists that have surprised fans. Scroll down for an update on where every Bachelor and Bachelorette lead are today: