Ilona Maher on ‘Bachelorette’ – Would She Take the Rose With a Few Conditions?

Olympian Ilona Maher is fielding questions – and a surprising amount of enthusiasm – about a potential turn as the next “Bachelorette.” The two-time Olympian addressed fan calls for her to lead the dating competition following the abrupt cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul’s season, a decision prompted by resurfaced domestic violence allegations. Maher’s response, delivered with characteristic wit, suggests she’s open to the idea… but only under very specific conditions.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight at the “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special” premiere in Los Angeles on Monday, Maher acknowledged the online campaign for her casting. “I saw that… It’s very sweet,” she said. However, she quickly outlined a rather unconventional set of prerequisites. According to Maher, former Bachelor Joey Graziadei and her “Dancing With the Stars” partner, Alan Bersten, would both need to serve as executive producers, along with her entire friend group overseeing the vetting process for potential suitors.

The situation unfolded rapidly after ABC pulled the plug on Season 22 of “The Bachelorette,” starring Taylor Frankie Paul. The cancellation came after TMZ published a video from 2023 showing Paul throwing metal barstools during a domestic dispute with her then-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, one of which struck her daughter. The Wrap reported on the swift decision, citing a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson’s statement emphasizing support for Paul’s family amid the situation.

This isn’t the first time Maher’s name has surfaced in connection with the franchise. During her appearance on “Dancing With the Stars,” her agent reportedly joked about a potential “Bachelorette” stint, though scheduling conflicts with her rugby commitments at the time made it unfeasible.

A Rugby Star’s Unexpected Turn?

Ilona Maher’s athletic background is well-established. She’s a two-time Olympian, representing the United States in rugby sevens at both the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Games. IMDb notes her recent appearance on “Dancing With the Stars,” where she was eliminated by Joey Graziadei, a moment that visibly upset both contestants and resonated with fans. Her athleticism and competitive spirit are undeniable, but her potential foray into reality television takes a decidedly different turn with the “Bachelorette” conversation.

Maher’s playful response hints at a self-awareness that could be a refreshing change of pace for the franchise. She joked that a season led by her would resemble an episode of “The Office,” complete with knowing glances to the camera. “A guy would say something and I would look at the camera like — and it would just be funny,” she quipped. This suggests a willingness to poke fun at the often-formulaic tropes of reality dating shows.

Beyond Romance: A Focus on Female Friendship

While acknowledging the appeal of finding love, Maher emphasized that her primary motivation for considering “The Bachelorette” would be to provide entertainment for her friends. “I’d do it mostly for my girls to watch it,” she explained. “That’s the only reason.” She clarified that finding a partner is, of course, a factor, but that she’s equally invested in creating a fun viewing experience for her close circle. This prioritization of female friendship adds another layer to her potential appeal as a lead.

The Fallout from Paul’s Season

The cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul’s season marks a significant disruption for “The Bachelorette.” The decision followed the release of a video showing Paul involved in a domestic violence incident, a situation that had previously been addressed in her Hulu reality show, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” National Today details how the incident prompted a pause in production for Season 5 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” as well. Paul herself released a statement expressing gratitude for ABC’s support and emphasizing her commitment to protecting her family.

The situation raises broader questions about the vetting process for contestants on reality dating shows and the responsibility of networks to address allegations of abuse. ABC’s swift action in canceling Paul’s season signals a heightened awareness of these issues, but also leaves the franchise searching for a new lead and navigating a potentially sensitive public perception.

What’s Next for “The Bachelorette”?

As of now, ABC has not announced a timeline for finding a replacement for Taylor Frankie Paul. The network faces the challenge of identifying a lead who can both attract viewers and represent the franchise responsibly. Ilona Maher’s name is certainly in the mix, but her conditions – requiring a production team comprised of friends and a former Bachelor – suggest she’s not willing to simply step into the role without a significant degree of creative control. The network will likely weigh the potential benefits of Maher’s unique personality and fanbase against the logistical complexities of her demands. The search continues, and the future of “The Bachelorette” remains, for the moment, uncertain.