Ladies, grab your roses, champagne, passports and ball gowns, because it’s time to get to know Grant Ellis—the newest star of ABC’s hit reality dating show, The Bachelor! In this exclusive sitdown with First for Women, the 31-year-old former professional basketball player opens up on his time on the show and if the season ended how he hoped it would. Read on for all that and more—including details on his current favorite TV obsession.
Grant Ellis spills on his experience on ‘The Bachelorette’
Before becoming the bachelor, Ellis was on Jenn Tran’s season of The Bachelorette but got eliminated during week 6. Even so, people quickly fell in love with the former professional basketball player turned day trader, and it was soon announced that he would be the show’s second black bachelor.
“It’s been really fun for me,” Ellis said of his experience of becoming a leading man. “I was surprised, but I took it on. I was really excited. I am still excited.”
He also shared how being on Tran’s season helped prepare him to step into the spotlight, saying that she taught him how important it was to be “open, honest and vulnerable.”
“Vulnerability is never a bad thing. You have to know when enough is enough, but being vulnerable is the main thing, and allowing yourself to feel how you feel.”
Tran, age 27, just finished competing on Dancing With the Stars alongside pro Sasha Farber, who she is currently dating.
Grant Ellis reveals what’s to come on this season of ‘The Bachelor’
As of today, four episodes of Ellis’ season have aired—and they have been nothing short of swoon-worthy, sassy and, of course, dramatic.
“I’m not going to say it’s the most dramatic season,” Ellis told First for Women. “What I can say is that I’m just trying to be my most genuine self. I think the season speaks a lot about the ladies’ lives, some of the struggles I went through and things I’ve learned. It’s just genuine.”
The reality TV star also gave First for Women a little sneak peek at the finale, saying, “It’s not going to be as dramatic, but it will be really eye-opening.” Ellis also shared that, above all else, he is “happy” with the outcome, which is the most important thing.
Grant Ellis shares how he stays grounded & what he is looking for in a partner
Since becoming The Bachelor’s leading man, Ellis has not been shy about wanting to let people know how important finding a wife is for him. And while going on a reality TV show might not be the conventional way to do it, Ellis was all in.
“I was very confident going in,” he said. “When you have such an amazing collection of ladies to choose from, it made me feel very confident.”
He also shared that when going into filming, he “didn’t have a set list. I just wanted a genuine connection” with someone who could “be his best friend.”
And it looks like he found it! While talking with First for Women Ellis revealed he was “surprised by how fast connections build.”
“When you’re in this bubble, they build really fast. When you go into this journey with the right intentions, it can really work.”
Aside from dating, a lot of pressure and fame comes with being cast in The Bachelor. However, Ellis has stayed grounded and calm throughout it all, which he claims came from “the lessons I’ve learned from the past.”
“I think you just have to stay genuine and always be yourself,” Ellis continued. “I’m at a point in my life where I’m really ready for a serious, committed relationship.”
Grant Ellis talks about what he likes to do in his free time
When he’s not playing basketball or handing out roses, Ellis is likely doing one thing: watching his new favorite show, The White Lotus.
“It’s a really good TV show,” he said. “ I’m a newfound fan, so I watched it from season 1, and I was just, like, ‘Oh, my God, it’s so good.’ I’m very excited for season 3.”
Ellis’s season of The Bachelor airs every Monday at 8:00 p.m. EST and is available to stream on Hulu the next day.
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