Host Jesse Palmer gave tips to the reality dating series’ newest lead, Zach Shallcross, ahead of The Bachelor season 27 premiere. Jesse starred in The Bachelor season 5 nearly two decades ago in 2004. He gave his final rose to Jessica Bowlin, but he did not propose. The couple broke up shortly after the season ended. The former NFL quarterback returned to the franchise in 2022 as the host of Clayton Echard’s season. He has since hosted Rachel Recchia and Gabby Windey’s The Bachelorette season, as well as Bachelor In Paradise season 8.
In a video shared by The Bachelor Instagram account, The Bachelor‘s Jesse Palmer offered some advice to Zach about being the show’s next leading man.
He began by saying, “I guess my number one tip would be don’t try to be the perfect Bachelor because it’s impossible to be that. Just be authentic and be yourself.” Jesse then continued with his second tip, which was to “be vulnerable and really set the tone. When the women see you opening up, they’re gonna want to do the same and reciprocate.”
Jesse Palmer Pokes Fun At His Time As The Bachelor
Jesse then gave Zach his last piece of advice about being The Bachelor lead, which he said was “probably the most important one.” He said, “Don’t forget anybody’s name. Trust me on this one. I know from experience.” Jesse’s last tip is a reference to his infamous error when he was the Bachelor lead and called the wrong name at the first rose ceremony. He said the name Katie by mistake when he meant to say Karen. After Katie accepted the rose, an embarrassed and anxious Jesse consulted with then-host Chris Harrison. Jesse then told the women what happened and asked Katie if she would still like to stay. She ended up saying yes, and he then offered Karen the rose as well, which she accepted.
Although Jesse’s last tip was most likely meant to be a humorous reference to his blunder when he was on the Bachelor, it actually was great advice for Zach. Zach had 30 women from which to choose, and, inevitably, it can get confusing for a man to have to juggle that many personalities. Having attention to detail and being present in the moment are two of the most important skills that a Bachelor must have in order to navigate those early days of the competition.
Jesse has said that Zach’s season is more about love than drama, which will be a refreshing change from the past few seasons. He is the ideal person to host The Bachelor because he has experience now as he has taken the reins of all three Bachelor franchise series. Not only that, but he once had the lead role himself, and he knows how it feels to be in that position and can offer firsthand advice. Jesse is the perfect person to guide Zach on his Bachelor journey.
The Bachelor premieres Monday, January 23 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
Sources: The Bachelor/Instagram, ABC/YouTube