Ilona Maher Lays Down Ground Rules For ‘Bachelorette’ Role

Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher is ready to step in as the ‘Bachelorette’ after Taylor Frankie Paul’s season was canceled…with a few ground rules. Keep reading for all the details. 

Who Is Ilona Maher? 

Ilona Maher has been a big name in sports for a while. But she became a household name during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Not only did she dominate the field, she shared a behind-the-scenes look at the happenings in the Olympic Village. She also used her platform to uplift women and encourage young girls to believe in themselves. 

Her instant fame from the Olympics led to her joining Season 33 of Dancing With The Stars. She was partnered with Alan Bersten. She came in second place behind Bachelor Joey Graziadei. 

Ilona Maher/Credit: YouTube

ABC found themselves at the center of a scandal in March when video leaked of their chosen Bachelorette, Taylor Frankie Paul, getting violent with her ex-boyfriend. The incident happened in 2023 and was public knowledge. Taylor Frankie Paul was arrested on multiple charges at the time and pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. 

But the footage put a harsher spotlight on ABC’s decision to cast her as the next lead despite her past. Once the video was out, the network had no choice but to cancel the season, days before it was supposed to premiere. There is a chance they’ll air the season at a later date. 

However, fans have a wish list of women to replace Taylor Frankie Paul and Ilona Maher is at the top of the list. The buzz surrounding the Olympic medalist as the next Bachelorette has been swirling since she was on DWTS and has gotten louder since Season 22’s cancellation. 

Her Bachelorette Ground Rules

She responded to the idea in a typically iconic way. Ilona Maher is down to be the next Bachelorette, with a few conditions. She would agree to do the show if Joey Graziadei were the executive producer. She would also want Alan Bersten involved. Lastly, all of her friends would be included in vetting the male suitors.

Credit: Ilona Maher Instagram

Bachelor Nation fans took to Reddit to share their reactions to her demands:

• “There is no way in the WORLD they could find 25-30 men worthy of being with her.”
• “I don’t see a world where bachelorette even gets another season as I don’t think a franchise has ever cost a studio more money and brought more bad press.”
• “Honestly I would LOVE AN ILONA SEASON”
• “I’d love to see her as the Bachelorette but also think she’s too good for this show haha.”
• “Literally the only way to save the franchise at this point.”

Unfortunately, ABC may have missed the opportunity. According to PEOPLE magazine, Ilona Maher recently accepted a date with comedian Funny Marco after they hit it off during an interview on his podcast. Would you watch a Bachelorette season with Ilona Maher?