ABC Eyes Maura Higgins to Revive The Bachelorette After Cancellation

The future of The Bachelorette is uncertain after ABC made the rare decision to cancel its upcoming season just days before its scheduled premiere.

Season 22, which was set to debut on March 22, was pulled after its lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, became involved in renewed controversy. The decision came despite the season already being fully filmed, marking one of the most dramatic disruptions in the franchise’s history.

The situation escalated after footage from a 2023 incident resurfaced, allegedly showing Paul in a physical altercation with her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen. Reports also pointed to a more recent investigation into an alleged domestic assault in February 2026. According to industry sources, tensions surrounding the controversy led to production issues, with some cast members from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reportedly refusing to continue filming with her.

Faced with mounting backlash, ABC ultimately scrapped the season entirely, a move that reportedly cost the network tens of millions of dollars.

In the aftermath, attention has shifted to who could revive the struggling franchise. One name gaining significant traction is Maura Higgins. Known for her outspoken personality, Higgins recently appeared on The Traitors US, where she finished as runner-up and expanded her popularity with American audiences.

Online speculation has suggested that ABC may be considering a major format change, including the possibility of a live-broadcast season to reduce the risk of pre-recorded controversies. Unverified reports and social media discussions have positioned Higgins as a leading candidate for such a reboot, with fans actively campaigning for her to take on the role.

Higgins has not confirmed any involvement with The Bachelorette, but she recently stated during The Traitors reunion that she is single. She also addressed rumors linking her to co-star Rob Rausch, clarifying that the two are just friends.

As of now, ABC has not announced a replacement lead or a new plan for the franchise. However, sources suggest the network is moving away from the Mormon Wives cast and exploring options involving more established reality television personalities.

The network’s next move will likely determine whether The Bachelorette can recover from one of the most significant setbacks in its history.