'The Bachelor' reveals 30 women who could appear on Season 26 before officially naming new lead

close

Video

Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines of the week

Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. Check out what's clicking today in entertainment.

Although "The Bachelor" has not picked its lead for its upcoming season, the show unveiled the first look at the 30 women who may get their shot at love in Season 26.

On Saturday, the official Facebook page for "The Bachelor" revealed photos showing viewers the women who may be competing in the next season. The collection of images includes the names and hometowns of a range of ladies ranging in age from 23 to 33 who have made the cut as potential contestants. Not every one of the 30 women will make it to night one.

"We are giving you an early look at the women who may be on this season of The Bachelor! Leave a [rose] for who would get your first impression rose," the caption on the post says.

Although the official identity of the next Bachelor remains a secret, fans believe it's pretty safe to bet money on upcoming "The Bachelorette" hopeful Clayton Echard. Although his season on Michelle Young’s run as the Bachelorette doesn’t start airing until Oct. 19, Variety previously reported that Echard, a 28-year-old orthopedic sales rep and former college football star, was spotted in his hometown of Missouri with a camera crew. Sources told the outlet that he is indeed ABC’s next choice to be "The Bachelor." 

'BACHELOR' HOST CHRIS HARRISON 'STEPPING ASIDE' FOLLOWING BACKLASH OVER RACISM CONTROVERSY

"I’m excited. I’m also very, very nervous," Echard told a crowd gathered at the shoot, according to Fox 2 Now. "I’m looking to find my person." 

Regardless, some of the 30 ladies who debuted on "The Bachelor" Facebook page over the weekend, and possibly Echard, will be the first group to appear on the show after the highly public and highly controversial exit of longtime franchise host Chris Harrison.

CHRIS HARRISON RECEIVED $9M 'BACHELOR' EXIT PAYOUT: REPORT

Harrison had originally stepped aside from his hosting duties for "The Bachelorette" Season 17 after defending "Bachelor" contestant Rachael Kirkconnell after it came to light that she attended an Antebellum-themed party prior to appearing on the show. 

The 24-year-old, who appeared in Season 25 with Matt James, the show's first male Black lead, issued a lengthy apology after the photos resurfaced. She condemned her past actions, which included attending an "Old South"-themed party in 2018 at a plantation and dressing up in a Native American costume. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Chris Harrison on stage during 'The Bachelor' season finale in 2019. (Photo By: John Fleenor via Getty Images)

Harrison appeared on Extra in an interview with former "Bachelorette" Rachel Lindsay, who was the show's first Black female lead. In the interview, he defended Kirkconnell, arguing that times were different just three years ago. The host caught swift and immediate backlash, prompting him to issue an apology of his own.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"I have this incredible platform to speak about love, and yesterday I took a stance on topics which I should have been better informed. While I do not speak for Rachael Kirkconnell, my intentions were simply to ask for grace in offering her an opportunity to speak on her own behalf," he wrote at the time.

Fox News' Jessica Napoli contributed to this report.