It’s Official: Jesse Palmer Will Host ‘Bachelor In Paradise’ Season 8

Big news for fans of Bachelor Nation: Jesse Palmer has been chosen as the next host of Bachelor in Paradise—at least, for season 8, per Deadline. Jesse replaces the rotating group of season 7 hosts, which included David Spade and Lance Bass.

Jesse made his ABC debut hosting The Bachelor season 26. “For more than 20 years, ‘The Bachelor’ has brought the world dozens of unforgettable love stories, including at one time, my own,” he said at the time in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.

“Falling in love is one of life’s greatest gifts, and I am humbled by the opportunity to return to the show as host this season to offer the newest Bachelor advice gained from firsthand experience and I am grateful to play a small part in his journey.” Jesse is also hosting the next season of The Bachelorette, premiering this July.

Chris Harrison, if you remember, originally stepped back from the series after defending past racially insensitive actions by Bachelor winner Rachael Kirkconnell. Rachael attended an Antebellum-themed party in college and wore costumes that appropriated native cultures, actions she later apologized for.

During an Extra interview with former Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsay, Chris said, “Would this girl, at, I don’t know how old she would have been back then, have thought, 'You know, historically, this mansion stood for this. Guys it’s not really that woke that we’re here.’”

He also used the phrase "woke police,” to describe what he said was holding people to impossible standards.

Chris later departed the franchise and reportedly got a big payout.

OK, but back to Jesse. Who is he, exactly? Here’s what you need to know about the new Bachelor in Paradise host.

He'll be hosting 'Bachelor in Paradise' alongside a fan favorite.

Jesse might need some help settling in on the beach. Luckily, Wells Adams will return as the bartender to show him the ropes, Deadline confirmed.

He’s a former 'Bachelor.'

Way back in 2004, Jesse was actually THE Bachelor. He eventually chose contestant Jessica Bowlin, but didn’t propose. The two only lasted for a few months after the show wrapped before breaking up.

Jesse used to be a quarterback in the NFL.

Jesse played for the New York Giants for four seasons and mostly was a backup quarterback, according to IMDB. He was cut from the Giants in 2005 and bounced around to a few other teams before leaving the league for good in 2006.

He’s from Canada.

Jesse is originally from Ottawa, Ontario in Canada, which made him the first Canadian Bachelor star ever. Go Jesse!

He's been on TV...a lot.

After leaving the NFL, Jesse shifted to working as a college football analyst for ESPN. He also hosted the reality series, The Ultimate Surfer, and has appeared on various shows like Entertainment Tonight.

Jesse's married.

While Jesse and his Bachelor pick didn’t last, he’s now married to Emely Fardo Palmer. They have a dog together named Lou Lou.

He’s also tall.

Jesse is a sizable guy: His IMDB profile has him listed at 6’2”. Check him out, towering over pro surfer Kelly Slater:

He’s in his 40s.

Jesse’s birthday—Oct. 5, 1978—puts him at 43.

Stay tuned for more details—Bachelor in Paradise season 8 airs on Monday and Tuesday nights on ABC this fall.

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