News
The Bachelor Season Finale Offered Up Train-Wreck Controversial Soap Opera Drama!
Courtesy/ABC
The watercooler moment of Tuesday has to be last night’s two-hour season finale of The Bachelor and the aftermath in the After the Rose live one hour special.
This had all the earmarks of a soap opera and in fact, it was with Juan Pablo being the most and painted as the most, despicable bachelor the show has ever seen, which actually made the whole thing more of a train-wreck than usual!
In the season finale, Juan Pablo after the helicopter date ride with Claire, apparently said some inappropriate and offensive things to the finalist. From all accounts it was something along the lines of “I don’t know you that well, but I love hooking up with you.”
Clare is upset about it and comes to the realization that maybe he is not truly in to her more than physically. Later, Juan Pablo comes to her hotel room, prior to the next day’s final rose ceremony. Claire wants him to clarify if she is into her more than just having sex, to which he dances around the issue. She looks like she is ready to bolt and tell him to get out, but instead he someone convinces her with his minimal words of what she apparently wants to hear!
When it’s time for the Rose Ceremony, Claire goes to meet him and he says, “You are an unbelievable, amazing woman. I wish the Earth sucked me today (HUH?) because this is the hardest decision ever. I appreciate you being here and trusting me all along. I got to find who I think is best for me and I have to say goodbye to you.” And then came the drama with Claire finally lashing out and Juan Pablo: “This entire time I’ve stuck around because I believed in you and the other night on our last date, I needed that reassurance and I gave you the opportunity right then because I was scared to death. And for you to sit there and tell me that you could see yourself in Sacramento … I saved this moment for the man of my dreams and I thought that was you and I thought I knew what kind of man you were. I lost respect for you. What you just made me go through I would never want my children having a father like you.” As Claire walks away, Juan Pablo utters, “I’m glad I didn’t pick her!” Even the in-studio live audience watching this play out, applauded Claire for walking out on Juan Pablo!
As for Nikki the other finalist, she gave Juan Pablo a card with sweet sentiments in the hotel room, the night before the final rose ceremony! She told him, she loved him. She wanted Juan Pablo to say it in return. He said nothing, but gave her little kisses. She was left crying. Yet, she still continued to say, she knows how much he loves her and he is the man for her! WHAT?
In the end, Juan Pablo offers Nikki a rose, not a ring. He prefaced it with, “I listened to your dad and what he said to me: ‘Juan Pablo, if you’re going to propose to my daughter you have to be 100 percent sure.’ And that made me think a lot. I have a ring here in my pocket and I’m not going to use it. I’m not 100 percent sure I want to propose to you, but at the same time I’m 100 percent sure I don’t want to let you go.”‘
So after all of that, in the After the Rose live special, Nikki reveals Juan Pablo has yet to tell her he loves her. They have been dating for the last four months though. Juan Pablo tells host Chris Harrison to basically stop talking over him twice! And Juan Pablo still refuses to talk about any details of what his relationship with Nikki is. Former Bachelor, Sean Lowe is in the audience clearly annoyed at the behavior of his successor.
From a disrespectful bachelor, to women being needy, to women standing up for themselves, to a puzzling cliffhanger, was this finale truly the best soap opera of the month or the worst soap opera ever seen? Let us know your thoughts on Juan Pablo? Claire and Nikki? And if the whole series should finally go away?
All My Children
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
On the Friday, October 2 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the morning talk show marked the 56th birthday of Kelly Ripa (ex-Hayley Vaughan Santos, All My Children).
During the opening segment, Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo Santos, All My Children) humorously comparing his wife to both Gandhi and Groucho Marx, reflecting on both her comedic ability and peaceful ways.
Later, they went on to discuss the origins of her name and the most popular picks to name babies back in the year she was born, 1970. They were Kimberly, Lisa, and Jennifer for girls and Michael, David, and James for the boys.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Ripa recalled that she learned she was almost named Kim. However, their neighbors at the time had two daughters Kelly and Kim, which is what her parents wanted to call them, but they settled on Kelly and and her younger sister, Linda.
At the conclusion of the episode, Mark rolled out a huge cake for his wife. It was, “Happy birthday from all of us here at Live and at home.” Next, he cut the cake, and Ripa grabbed his face and gave him a “thank you” kiss.
Photo: JPI
KELLY AND MARK TRIED TO KEEP THEIR VEGAS WEDDING ON THE DOWN LOW
All of this brings back memories of how Kelly and Mark’s Las Vegas wedding ceremony went public in 1996 while the two were still on All My Children playing Mateo Santos and Hayley Vaughan. In essence, they were outed by then radio host Wendy Williams! They discussed it on the talk show back in 2024.
In fact, the duo hid their marriage from their All My Children castmates for months, until they found out Williams got wind of the nuptials and spread the intel on the airwaves.
The two recalled their secret wedding on a 2024 episode of Live! “We’d eloped. It’d been a few months at that point. We’d been married for three months, nobody at All My Children knew we were even dating, much less married to each other. We’re brushing our teeth and we’ve got Wendy Williams’ radio show on. We’re listening, and she’s like, ‘I’ve got celebrity dish!”
EYEWITNESS
Next Ripa continued, “The celebrities,’ I guess they had a broad use of the term back then, was the fact that ‘two soap stars from All My Children, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos eloped in Las Vegas.’ There was this eyewitness that worked in the Clark County courthouse that said we eloped, and the news broke, and we had to tell everybody we were married.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays in syndication. Check your local listings for times in your area.
Share your birthday wishes for Kelly in the comment section, and let us know your thoughts on how Wendy Williams broadcast the news, unbeknownst to the All My Children newlyweds, that they tied the knot in Vegas? Check out Mark and the ‘Live’ studio audience singing ‘happy birthday’ to Kelly in the post below.
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Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!
Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
After an earlier post on Thursday, October 1 about General Hospital alumni Tajh Bellow’s (ex-TJ Ashford) upcoming project from Issa Rae’s HOOPAE Digital, comes word that Bellow is temporarily stepping into the role of Days of our Lives Theo Carver to fill in for Tyler Joseph Andrews on the Peacock streaming soap opera.
According to TV Insider, Bellow will be making a one-day appearance next week on the October 6 episode of DAYS as Andrews was unable to make the tape date that was shot 10 months ago on a day last December. Andrews (pictured below) took over the role of Theo in September of 2025.
In Bellow’s upcoming episode as Theo, he will share scenes with Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez). A DAYS spokesperson tells the outlet that Bellow “stepped seamlessly into the role, and the cast and crew were grateful for his professionalism and commitment, albeit for only one episode.”
Photo: JPI
TAJH WILL BE SEEN IN MULTIPLE PROJECTS IN OCTOBER
As General Hospital fans know, Tajh played the role of TJ Ashford from 2018 to his last appearance in December of 2024. Along the way, he received two Daytime Emmy nominations for his performances as TJ, the last being in 2025 in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
In addition, bellow along with Y&R alum Loren Lott will be seen starting on October 14 in the new Love Island spoof series, The Compatibility Experiment. The show will drop exclusively on TikTok and the PineDrama platform.
The Compatibility Experiment gives a satirical look at reality dating shows, think Love Island! The story centers around Kelvin (Bellow) and Camila (Lott), whose relationship is put to the test when they join a reality show to try to win a the million dollar prize.
So, what do you think of Tajh stepping in for Tyler Joseph Andrews as Theo on DAYS? Perhaps, the soap opera liked his work that he might be considered for another role in the future bringing Bellow back to the soaps? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section below.
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Kristen Locates an Alive Sophia, How Much Does Rita Know About the Birth of Dominic Marino?
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
‘General Hospital’ Alum Tajh Bellow Fills In for ‘Days of our Lives’ Tyler Joseph Andrews in the Role of Theo Carver
REPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
Alley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
Judith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Mark Consuelos Celebrates Kelly Ripa’s 56th Birthday on ‘Live,’ But Remember When Wendy Williams Outed the Couple as Married Before Anyone at ‘All My Children’ Knew?
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair
GH Alum Tajh Bellow and Y&R Alum Loren Lott Star in New Tiktok and Microdrama ‘Love Island’ Spoof
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown
DANCING WITH THE STARS: Britt Stewart Visibly Upset After Shocking Elimination with Taylor Hanson
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Days Of Our Lives3 days agoREPORT: ‘Days of our Lives’ Puts Four Actors On Contract
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Beyond the Gates3 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes
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General Hospital1 week agoAlley Mills Returns to ‘General Hospital’ as Heather Webber
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News1 week agoJudith Light Joins Cast of ‘Shrinking’ Season 4 in Recurring Role
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Beyond the Gates7 days ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
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Beyond the Gates21 hours agoTUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life
When the bachelor started Juan Pablo was the man until started to act non gentleman, he end been the worse bachelor and a DOUCHE BAG.
Yo u took the words right out of my mouth what a dog!
Self-centered manchild, who can’t see past his own reflection. You can say he’s being honest, but his honesty shows his true character. He’s someone who never knew how to love or give to another. Selfish. Someday the selfishness will lead to loneliness.
This guy a ” Tool” The way he treated woman a disgrace! When his Ex first saw Nikki you could see it her eye’s ( he still had her mentally ) He has control over Nikki Already!! He used his Spanish & Daughter as leverage since the beginning. She is a Nurse & he is never leaving Miami..
First off, I never saw the big deal when he was picked to be the next Bachelor. I would have rather seen someone else. I have watched the show since the beginning and understand that the rules have changed and it is not required to propose. So I respect Juan Pablo not proposing and wanti g to see what life in the real world is like in terms of his his relationship lasting. It was definitely the most dramatic one-to-date! I feel bad for Nikki . She looked very uncomfortable and put her head down when Chris was questioning Juan Pablo about their relationship. And how does she feel now after seeing last night’s episode where he insulted Clare with his sexual comment! I think Juan Pablo loves his daughter more than anyone and will be hard for him to make room for a partner!
The guy is a jerk and a dirt bag!!!! Those women should be very happy he picked himself!
Disgusting. The show just needs to go away.
OMG…Juan Pablo is the real TRAIN-WRECK here!!!!! What an immature scumbag?!?!?
and people have problems with gay marriage?!?!?
He should just dry up and blow away or find the nearest earthen vortex and jump in since he wishes the Earth would suck him. Duh. Stupidest bachelor ever.
First of all, Juan Pablo never seemed like he was interested in finding love. The network came to him, and he jumped on the opportunity. If love came, that would of been another story, but it didn’t come. It almost came with Sharleen, he cried over her and her leaving. Everyone else other than Sharleen, he was just enjoying his time, and company of being, The Bachelor!!!!
As for him, not prosposing, I don’t see the BIG deal. If you review the history of the bachelor (which U can find on line) many finale’s DIDNOT end up with proposals. Some ended up with promise rings. If they didn’t give a ring, they couldn’t ALL have said, ” I Love You “, why would they with no ring? Brad didn’t say , ” I love you “, nor was there a ring. He basically, didn’t even say, ” I like you “. Juan was not the most respectful in his dealings with the women, but I respect that he didn’t offer us the same BULLSHIT fairytale ending, that is false and don’t last. Its almost impossible to fall in love with someone over 6 weeks, when you are dating so many other people. I commend Juan for not being BULLIED into proposal, BUT I’m not happy about the games he played with the woman in the process. He just should of gone along, dated an had the fun with being the bachelor, and knowing that he hadn’t found love in the end, stated it the way he did, ” I’m 100 % sure, I don’t want to let you go “. Then (minus his bad manners and preceeding games with the woman) not proposal or ‘ I love you ‘, wouldn’t of made him look so bad. Its not that he didn’t propose or say, ‘ I love you ‘, IN FACT, other bachelors have as well, it’s his behavior throughout the process of the show, that has him caught in the backlash.
The show needs to have a age requirement. At 26, your just still too young. It should start at 28 for contestants. People need to do some living before they talk about ‘ happy ever after ‘. Any younger than 28, let them find love on their own, away from the tv camera’s. When viewers invest time into watching these people, they have an expectation that it will work, “sometims”, and in the case of this show, it’s almost “NOtime”. 28 year of age requirement NEEDED, lets start a campaign for it