If there is one thing we’ve come to know from watching Bachelor in Paradise, it’s that you never really know who is going to make it down to the beach!
Over the course of the show’s nine seasons, there have been plenty of surprise appearances on the series with even former Bachelor and Bachelorette leads making it to Paradise.
While most of those appearances have been to help give out date cards and advice, it was just last season that Becca Kufrin made franchise history as the first Bachelorette to join Bachelor in Paradise as a member of the cast. So when ABC teased the arrival of four former Bachelorettes this season of Bachelor in Paradise, fans immediately had their curiosity piqued — especially by the arrival of one particular former Bachelorette: Katie Thurston.
Who did Katie Thurston pick on The Bachelorette?
Katie Thurston appeared as the lead of The Bachelorette season 17 after becoming a breakout favorite on Matt James’ season of the show. Over the course of the season, Katie made several incredible connections in the end it was Blake Moynes who she ended up with at the end of the season.
At the end of her season, Katie accepted Blake’s engagement and the pair walked away from the season together. During the After the Final Rose special in August 2021, Blake and Katie confirmed they were still together and engaged after filming had wrapped.
Katie Thurston and Blake Moynes broke up after The Bachelorette
While Katie and Blake remained together after filming on The Bachelorette season 17 ended, the pair eventually called off their engagement and went their separate ways.
In a since-deleted Instagram post from October 2021, Katie revealed that she and Blake had decided to part ways in what she revealed was a mutual decision:
"“It is with mutual love and respect that we have decided to go our separate ways. We are so grateful for the moments we shared together and the entire journey that has unfolded this year, but we ultimately have concluded that we are not compatible as life partners, and it is the most caring choice for both of us to move forward independently. We ask for kindness and privacy as we both navigate this transition. Both of us will forever want the best for one another and ask you to please support us in our decision.”"
Why did Blake and Katie break up?
Initially when Blake and Katie announced they had broken up, little was revealed about the specific reason why the pair had called it quits. As time went by, though, details about the couple’s split finally came out and it seems the ultimate reason Kaite and Blake called off their engagement was nothing scandalous.
As a source told Us Weekly, despite the couple’s best efforts to make a long-distance relationship work, the distance proved to be too much for the couple.
"“They just couldn’t make the long-distance [relationship] work,” the insider said. “Katie really missed Blake once he left and they would get into little arguments, but at the end of the day, Katie wished he would be with her more.”"
Is Katie Thurston on Bachelor in Paradise?
Yes, Katie Thursday will be making an appearance on this season of Bachelor in Paradise; however, Katie is not part of the season 9 cast.
In the first look teaser for this season of the show, ABC teased Katie’s arrival in Paradise and the drama it stirs up due to Blake being on the show this season. The promo seemed to suggest Katie was going to be competing as part of the season 9 cast, but it seems Katie is just dropping in this season and will not be sticking around.
The only Bachelorette who is competing as an actual contestant this season on Bachelor in Paradise is Rachel Recchia.