Second-chance romance
Rachel Lindsay is grabbing another shot at love with both hands as newest The Bachelorette.
The Bachelorette Season 13 Saturdays (from 27 May) Vuzu Amp (*103) 18:00
Just because Texas attorney Rachel Lindsay didn’t get the final rose in season 21 of The Bachelor (2001current) doesn’t mean that she’s given up on a happily- ever-after. In fact, being turned away by Bachelor Nick Viall on the reality show might’ve given her the very boost she needed to take on an even bigger TV role: being the history-making first black lead contestant in the spin- off series The Bachelorette (2002- current).
“I honestly thought that they were doing it [offering me this opportunity] to make me feel better,” says Rachel, who went back to work for three months before the producers called her with the offer. “Only as it kept going did I realise that they were serious with this thing. It’s surreal to me and I’m so appreciative of the opportunity.”
GOT THE T-SHIRT
Having just been through the process with Nick, Rachel walked into her new role knowing what to expect, “But it’s totally different being on the other side of the coin,” she reveals. And she knows what she wants: that all-important chunk of bling at the end of the 11- episode season. “I’ve never had one before!” she laughs.
And while finding love on a global stage might be daunting to most of us, Rachel’s taking it in her stride. “It’s not the typical way that I like to date a man [by going on multiple dates with multiple partners while millions of viewers watch], but I’m excited to get into it again,” she says. “I’m hopeful [for this game] as I have an amazing group of men. I see a lot of potential in them [Laughs].”
With over 30 eligible Bachelors to choose from [they hadn’t been revealed at print], 31-year- old Rachel already has a good idea of what she’s looking for. “I’m in that phase of my life where I’m ready to start a family and get married. I’m looking for someone who can make me laugh and who’s also on the same page as me,” she explains.
THE RACE BEGINS
Viewers of The Bachelor got a glimpse at two of Rachel’s suitors after the Final Rose Special aired in March 2017 but she’s “taking it as it comes. I figure that if I stay true to myself, it will be a successful season – for me especially”.