There’s an exciting new addition to the world of reality television — Taylor Frankie Paul, the star of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” has been announced as the lead for Season 22 of The Bachelorette. Paul shared this thrilling news during a recent episode of the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” hosted by Alex Cooper. Following her announcement, ABC confirmed her role, highlighting Paul’s influence in the viral MomTok community and her candid exploration of Salt Lake City’s unique soft-swinging scene.
Fans can catch Taylor Frankie Paul returning to “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” for its third season, set to premiere in November. Meanwhile, the new season of The Bachelorette is scheduled to air in 2026, promising a fresh take on the beloved franchise. During her podcast interview, Paul expressed her disbelief about the opportunity, stating, “To be honest, surreal. It has not hit me right now in this moment. … I’m like, how is this happening? That’s my answer.”
In a notable shift from tradition, Paul, who is 31 years old, has never participated in the Bachelor franchise prior to this announcement. Typically, leads on The Bachelorette have been selected from previous seasons of “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette.” However, this unconventional choice aligns well with the synergy between ABC, the network airing The Bachelorette, and Hulu, which streams “Mormon Wives,” both of which are owned by Disney. Interestingly, two of Paul’s current castmates are also joining the lineup for “Dancing With the Stars,” another ABC production.
When asked how she became the lead for The Bachelorette, Paul recounted a lighthearted moment a few years ago when she created a TikTok video during a challenging time in her relationship. The video humorously announced her single status, drawing unexpected attention. “It was like a Lindsay Lohan TikTok,” she recalled, noting that she was surprised to receive an invitation to participate in the franchise. However, she initially questioned whether she could manage the demands of the show alongside her responsibilities as a mother.
As a mother of three, Paul expressed her concerns about co-parenting with her two baby daddies while potentially being away for extended periods. “How do I make this work? Can I travel that long? Can I be gone that long?” she pondered. Ultimately, she concluded, “I will make it work. If I want to, I can ... I can ask for help.” This determination showcases her resilience and commitment to balancing her personal life with her new role.
Taylor Frankie Paul has become a prominent figure in the MomTok community, where women from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints share their experiences on TikTok. Her journey has not been without challenges; in 2022, she made headlines for stepping away from a soft-swinging agreement with her husband, leading to their divorce. Additionally, in 2023, Paul faced legal troubles, leading to a guilty plea for a misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault, with other charges dismissed.
As she prepares for this new chapter, Paul admitted she is unsure what it will be like to date multiple people simultaneously. She candidly asked others, “How do people do it? ... I’ve had flings, but this is different.” When reflecting on her biggest adjustment, she simply stated, “All of it.” With her unique background and experiences, Taylor Frankie Paul is poised to bring an exciting perspective to The Bachelorette, making the upcoming season one to watch.
