Fans of the Bachelor franchise have reason to celebrate as Bachelor in Paradise gears up for its exciting return in summer 2025, this time with a golden twist. During the highly anticipated finale of The Bachelor Season 29, host Jesse Palmer announced on March 24, 2025, that contestants from the Golden Bachelor and Golden Bachelorette series will join the cast, making it the first time older contestants will mix with the younger stars from the franchise.
This announcement came during a dramatic finale, which saw Grant Ellis proposing to Juliana Pasquarosa while navigating complex feelings between two finalists, Litia Garr and Pasquarosa herself. The introduction of Golden alumni into the mix captured the excitement of fans looking for new dynamics and potential storylines.
Palmer introduced the first five contestants confirmed for Bachelor in Paradise 2025, including Zoe McGrady from The Bachelor Season 29, and Bachelorette Season 21 alums Jonathon Johnson and Hakeem Moulton, along with Golden alumni Leslie Fhima and Gary Levingston. Each contestant expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming tropical adventures and love-seeking journey, with Fhima stating, “This is really happening,” expressing her joy for being part of this innovative season.
Adding to the fun, Levingston teased, “Expect a lot of dancing in the sand,” hinting at both layback moments and energetic whirlwinds of romance. With the demographic expansion welcoming older singles to the beach, the show is building upon its past success and evolving into an inclusive space for love.
This new aspect was particularly welcomed after Palmer had previously expressed his desire to have such a crossover between the Golden shows and Bachelor in Paradise, stating in September 2024 that it would be an “amazing idea” if it could be organized in a tropical location rather than a traditional retirement area. Fans could see a new approach that aligns with entertaining performances and love-filled quests.
As Palmer remarked, the production team has aimed to make this season different from its predecessors. With hopes for an engaging format, viewers will be waiting to see how it unfolds. After the show's hiatus during its ninth season, a new showrunner, Scott Teti, joined for Paradise's season 10, hinting that big changes are afoot for the beloved summer series.
The 2025 summer edition will allow fans to witness more twists and moments to cherish as Palmer, with a wink, teased audiences on ABC, “You’re gonna have to tune in when a whole new season of Bachelor in Paradise premieres this summer!”
Returning to Ellis’s dramatic finale, the emotional stakes surged as he grappled with announcing his engagement to Pasquarosa. While he started strong with Garr, whose confidence resonated with his family immediately, the undercurrents of emotion nevertheless sent Ellis into uncharted territory.
After falling in love with both women, viewers saw Garr walk into the proposal stage blissfully unaware that things would take a sharp turn. Ellis, caught in a tumultuous tug-of-war between issues of love, feelings, and expectations, confronted her emotionally, stating, “I’m sorry to have gotten to this point. My emotional connection is stronger with someone else.” This shocking moment resonated deeply, sending ripples of discontent through the audience, illustrating just how electric finales can be.
In his reflective moments during the After the Final Rose, Ellis stated, “I’m very happy with the way things turned out,” as he introduced the audience to Pasquarosa, who gleefully exclaimed, “A million times yes,” while accepting his proposal.
The exiting showrunner turnover adds to the shifts in production for the franchise, indicating a transformative new direction after allegations of a toxic work environment loomed over past seasons. With showrunner Claire Freeland and her co-producer exiting, fans speculate this may open fresh opportunities for more engaging content as well as renewed focus on higher standards in storytelling.
While the Bachelor franchise embarks on these changes, one thing is certain: the highly anticipated Bachelor in Paradise promises fresh perspectives amidst a blend of diverse ages and backgrounds. “I cannot wait,” Fhima echoed in her excitement for the upcoming summer journey. All eyes will be on the unfolding dynamics of this groundbreaking season.
As viewers prepare for another dose of sun-soaked romance, the emphasis on inclusivity and fresh romance-driven narratives raises exciting possibilities for fans. Check out the return of Bachelor in Paradise on ABC this summer 2025 for a summer filled with unforgettable experiences, unexpected twists, and perhaps even love blooming in surprising ways.
