Why The Bachelor Added More Contestants To Matt James' Season
Two contestants on Matt James' season of The Bachelor have already been bullied home: Marylynn Sienna and Sarah Trott. Marylynn was sent home during week three after her former roommate, "Queen" Victoria Larson took aim at her and told Matt she was "toxic." Sarah Trott chose to return home after struggling with a combination of guilt from being away from her sick father, insecurities with Matt dating multiple girls at once, and general bullying from the other woman that occurred after she interrupted a group date.
Now, Matt James' contestants have found a new opportunity to pick on their competitors in the form of new women in the house. On the Jan. 25, 2021 episode of The Bachelor, Chris Harrison caught Matt James and his suitors off guard by inviting five new women into the competition for Matt's heart, per Entertainment Weekly. The original contestants were immediately infuriated, and they had no problem showing it. For instance, Victoria decided to assert her dominance by removing the crown newcomer Catalina Morales was wearing and putting it on her own head, per Bustle.
At the end of the night, four new contestants stayed in the competition and Matt sent original contestants Khaylah Epps and Kaili Anderson home along with one newcomer, Kim Li. While the Bachelor franchise is no stranger to inviting surprise guests onto the show, it's not a usual move to invite multiple new members into a season that's already underway. So, why the new women?
The Bachelor added more contestants because of Matt James
Echoing what Chris Harrison told Matt James when he revealed that more women were on their way, ABC executive Rob Mills divulged to Variety on Jan. 25, 2021 that ABC decided to make the unprecedented move because Matt James was such a popular Bachelor. "We got a record number of submissions. We couldn't fit everyone in night one, and we had some really interesting girls," he explained. "These were women that we had already met with. It was decided pretty much before filming began [that they would join later]. It was good to throw them in the mix. It wasn't just to shake things up."
Matt James immediately hit it off with newcomer Michelle Young, an elementary school teacher and former Division 1 collegiate athlete. They enjoyed a one-on-one date together which took them zip lining and on a romantic hot air balloon ride over the red and orange trees at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. "We're connecting on a lot of levels, and I just really enjoy her company," Matt told cameras of his quick connection with Michelle, per Entertainment Tonight. "The thought that someone like Michelle could be someone I call my wife is exciting ... I've seen all I need to see."
While it was an easy connection between Michelle and Matt, it's likely that Michelle's acceptance into the resort by Matt's original contestants won't be so smooth. Fans can keep up with her journey every Monday on ABC.