Taylor Frankie Paul, who was announced as the lead of the newest season of The Bachelorette, has been posting intriguing clips recently to her Instagram. These are made all the more intriguing due to the fact that contestants, including the lead, often don’t have access to their phones during filming.
In her most recent post, on November 12, Frankie is seen in a dark purple gown as a film crew stands around her, fixing her hair. The camera then pans out to reveal a crew member putting a jacket on her as she mouths the words to the famous TikTok trend, “16 missed calls. Sorry, but I missed y’all.” Above her head, it reads, “Why haven’t you responded?’’ She captioned the video, “I’m sorry I’ve been a little busy, but I miss ya’ll.”
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star also posted a video just a day before, teasing fans even further. In it, she was clad in a bathrobe before the camera pans to her in a distinctly more glamorous outfit. She can be seen in a crop top, wide-leg pants, a belt, and a cowboy hat. The caption flirtatiously reads, “Saddle up boys.”
The Bachelor Franchise Surprised Fans With Their Latest Pick
Paul’s casting is a major pivot for the franchise. She was tapped by ABC after starring in the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, quickly becoming a fan favorite. It’s also the first time ABC has brought on a non-franchise influencer into the Bachelor Nation fold, and the pick is already reshaping expectations for Season 22.
Paul first confirmed her gig as the new Bachelorette on the Call Her Daddy podcast on September 10, shocking fans. The news quickly circulated throughout media outlets, with Paul appearing, as most leads have in the past, on Good Morning America.
When asked by the interviewer how it felt to be confirmed as the next Bachelorette, Paul replied, “Surreal is the only word I can think of, honestly, because it doesn’t feel real yet.”
Taylor Frankie Paul Has Not Had an Easy Time in Her Relationships
Taylor Frankie Paul divorced her ex-husband, Tate Paul, in July 2022. According to People, she began dating Dakota Mortensen in September 2022, when he first appeared on her social media. The pair welcomed a son, Ever True, in March 2024. However, their happiness was short-lived, as they officially split in December 2024.
In September 2025, just a few days before news broke that she would be the next Bachelorette, Paul posted an emotional video to Instagram in which she can be seen reading the Bible. Over the video, she wrote that it was “the most painful year” she had experienced.
The new season of The Bachelorette will premiere on ABC on March 22, and can be streamed on Hulu.
2 Children, 2 different Father’s, now a Bachelorette!!!!!!! NO NO NO, REALLY !!!!!!!