'Mormon wives’ star Taylor Frankie Paul set to steal hearts as the new Bachelorette which fans didn't see coming

Taylor Frankie Paul, who appears on the hit Hulu series "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," was announced Wednesday as the next Bachelorette for season 22 of the hit reality TV show, reports ABC News. The 31-year-old reality star is on the search for love.

Taylor Frankie Paul will be handing out roses as the star of the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, TVLine has learned. Paul’s season will debut next year on ABC. The announcement was made on September 10, 2025, during the Call Her Daddy podcast. Paul is 31 years old, a mother of three, and a star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. She catapulted to fame on TikTok as part of the MomTok group, which includes her "Secret Live" co-stars Jennifer Affleck, Mayci Neeley, Whitney Leavitt, Layla Taylor, Demi Engemann, Jessi Ngatikaura and Mikayla Matthews.

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Taylor Frankie Paul Bachelorette journey

Taylor Frankie Paul first rose to fame through the #MomTok community. Her story gained more attention after her personal life was featured on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The Hulu show followed her divorce, a controversial “soft-swinging” revelation, and her relationship with Dakota Mortensen. Paul shares two children with her ex-husband and one child with Mortensen. She admitted that balancing co-parenting with the filming schedule will be a challenge. Still, she said she is ready to make it work with the support of her family.

During the announcement, Paul described the moment as “surreal.” She said she never believed this opportunity would happen. She added that her family was shocked at first but ultimately excited about her new role. According to People, her costars on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives have also shared positive feedback.

Season 22 will stand out because Paul is not a former contestant. This decision by ABC signals a new direction for the franchise. Host Jesse Palmer said earlier this year that the pause would allow for stronger creative planning. He promised the new season would be “tremendous” once it returns.

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Fans of the show can also expect crossover attention with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which returns in November 2025 for season 3. Paul confirmed she will remain part of the Hulu series even while leading The Bachelorette. This overlap adds another layer of drama and public interest.

Why Taylor Frankie Paul’s selection matters

Paul’s story connects with audiences beyond traditional Bachelor Nation. As a single mother and influencer, her journey represents a different kind of lead. ABC appears to be aiming for a broader viewership by choosing her.

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The decision could also signal a shift in how the franchise sources its leads. By choosing someone from a different reality platform, producers may be testing new ways to keep the format fresh. According to Deadline, ABC sees this as a way to maintain strong ratings while expanding the brand’s reach.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette will premiere in 2026. Fans will see her balance motherhood, public scrutiny, and her search for love. The all-new season of "The Bachelorette" will debut in 2026, and "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" returns Nov. 13, 2025. The Bachelorette" is produced by Warner Horizon Unscripted Television, a Warner Bros. Television Group company. Scott Teti serves as executive producer.