May 06, 2021 • bachelor insider
Why Matt James Thinks Katie Thurston Is the 'Best' Person to Lead 'The Bachelorette' Season 17
He’s passing the torch! In a new interview, Matt James revealed why he believes his ex Katie Thurston is the “best” person to lead “The Bachelorette” Season 17.
Although he sent Katie home on “The Bachelor” Season 25, Matt told E! News that he is looking forward to watching her search for love unfold this summer.
“She’s incredible. She’s going to do so well, and I’m excited for her to have this space to find her person,” he said. “I think that she’s going to be one of the best to ever do it.”
Matt added, “And it’s not going to be a surprise to me as we watch everyone across the country fall in love with her.”
Katie became an instant fan favorite after she introduced herself — and her massive purple vibrator — to Matt during her memorable limo entrance on “The Bachelor.”
Throughout Season 25, the stunning Washington native acquired a fervent fan base for her sex-positive attitude, protective nature, and hilarious personality. As viewers will recall, Katie consistently kept her fellow contestants entertained with her unique sense of humor — and repeatedly came to their defense when “mean girl” behavior arose in the house.
Katie was announced as one of two upcoming Bachelorettes during the “After the Final Rose” special in March. While Katie’s journey premieres Monday, June 7, on ABC at 8 p.m. ET, Michelle Young’s Season 18 of “The Bachelorette” will debut this fall.
In the first promo for her season — which premiered Sunday, April 25, during the 93rd annual Academy Awards — Katie revealed what she’s looking for in a partner. “I am who I am, and I want to meet someone who knows who they are,” the franchise star confidently stated in the clip. “My person’s still out there.”
