Yahoo Lifestyle The ‘Bachelor’ Lead Grant Ellis Says He Treated Fantasy Suites ‘Very Carefully’ in ‘Emotional’ Season (Exclusive)
The Bachelor star Grant Ellis has revealed what fans can expect from Season 29, including his pivotal fantasy suites episode! The day trader, 31, had 25 gorgeous women to choose from during his show journey to find love, and he teased what could be a happy conclusion.
While Ellis couldn’t get specific, he declared during his exclusive Zoom interview with Parade before the show’s premiere this Monday, Jan. 27, on ABC, “I’m happy with my ending” on the show.
“I’m happy with life,” he added. “I can’t wait for everybody to see how things unfold.”
Ellis first captured franchise viewers’ attention as one of Jenn Tran’s suitors on last year’s The Bachelorette. She eliminated him during Week 6, but the former basketball player quickly rebounded as The Bachelor lead.
Ellis, who lives in Houston, opined on the overall tone of his season of the long-running reality show, saying, “I think it’s a blend of things. I think it’s emotional, I think it’s fun. I think there’s a lot of different stories that come into play. And I think, all in all, it’s a really good season. It shows the women’s side of the story, but it also shows mine.”
As The Bachelor, Ellis was determined to “be myself…going in there open and vulnerable. If you go in [the mansion] with preconceived notions, it cuts you off. [You have to] discern what’s going on in the house.”
As usual for The Bachelor, the eager women will step out of limos on night one at the Los Angeles mansion to greet the star. Viewers will soon see their creative entrances that “really stood out” to Ellis.
“Meeting the ladies, they were amazing," he said. "They all brought something different to the table, and the experience was something that was once in a lifetime. I think, throughout the season, you’ll see how special and unique each one of them is.”
He remarked about seeing 25 hopefuls, “That was a first for me. I’ll never do that again. The one thing I can appreciate is just getting to know each individual’s personality: Their story, where they come from, and try to figure out what fits you the best.”
Related: Everything We Know About The Bachelor Grant Ellis and Season 29
Ellis said on the premiere that he was looking for “somebody to…just be yourself. Don’t let the fact that there are cameras there change who you are. I was looking for somebody who was genuine. That’s one thing I don’t think you can fake.”
But things go deeper later in the season. The star must decide whether to go behind closed doors for off-camera private time with his final women in the fantasy suites episode. As fans know, fantasy suite experiences vary, and they can include deep conversations or even lead to the relationship getting quite physical!
When asked about fantasy suites, Ellis revealed, “I approached them very carefully. I think any time physical intimacy is involved, it can enhance feelings so I really tried to wait because I didn’t want to make a decision off of that and be confused. I really tried to approach them carefully, and I think I did that.”
In a show preview fans have already seen, host Jesse Palmer (who recently gave Parade his take on the season) nudges Ellis to make a final decision.
Related: The Bachelor Host Jesse Palmer Teases New Season ‘Starts with a Bang’ (Exclusive)
It looks like Ellis could be torn between two women at the end. But he notes to Parade, “I don’t think it was hard for me to choose. I think the hard part was letting somebody down. It was hard for me on night one to send somebody home after I got to know them. And it only gets harder throughout the season as it progresses and people’s story gets involved. Their family gets involved, and their past gets involved, and you start to care for these ladies more and more.”
As The Bachelor teaser has indicated, financial whiz Ellis is also musical, and he will be wooing some of his contestants through song.
“Music’s a big part of my life. I don’t take it too seriously, but it allows me to process and express what I feel,” Ellis explained to Parade. “I like to dance. I like music."
Related: The Ladies Are Here! Meet New Bachelor Star Grant Ellis’ 25 Stunning Contestants
“I really like that aspect of myself, and I think that it will be fun [for viewers].” He added with a laugh, “Hopefully it’s not too embarrassing.”
Ellis modestly told Parade about his own personality, “I try to approach each situation genuine, and I have a pretty decent sense of humor. I care for people, and I’m somebody who wants to help.”
He said past love choices have taught him that “communication [and] honesty are key. And in order for a relationship to work, you have to develop a friendship first. I learned that from previous relationships and brought that into my season.”
When embarking on his Bachelor time, Ellis said he packed an important personal item. “I brought my Bible, sometimes I read that.” He also revealed to Parade that season 29’s romantic locales that are yet to be revealed were a pleasure: “There was a lot of travel. Not only did I love the dates but I loved trying the new foods that were everywhere. I’m a foodie, so I loved to travel and try new things.”
Fans have seen a sneak peek promo for The Bachelor, which shows Ellis and contestants wearing vintage costumes and ballroom dancing, apparently based on the hit Netflix show Bridgerton. Ellis loved the formal date but admitted to Parade, “I actually never watched Bridgerton. I’m literally getting into a whole new world. I’m not even a big TV guy. I watch Sports Center and I watch Bloomberg [business news]. Pretty boring, but I’m going to have to watch Bridgerton now!”
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