The Bachelor season 26 runner-up Rachel Recchia shared a TikTok video which teases a reunion between her and former flame Clayton Echard, who was that season’s leading man. Clayton and Rachel had a tumultuous relationship that ended when he broke up with her and Gabby Windey to pursue Susie Evans. Susie had self-eliminated after Clayton told her that he had told all three of the women that he loved them and that he had slept with Rachel and Gabby in the Fantasy Suites. Clayton and Susie eventually reconciled, but their relationship ended a few months later. Rachel went on to star in The Bachelorette season 19 with Gabby. She got engaged to Tino Franco, but their relationship ended when he kissed another woman during a rough patch in their relationship.
In a TikTok video, The Bachelor’s Rachel Recchia revealed that she and Clayton are spending time together.
In the video, Rachel and her friend, The Bachelorette season 18 star Michelle Young, lip synch to a scene from Russian Doll. Michelle says, “Are you gonna tell me what’s going on?” Rachel answers, “I would, but I think explaining it might give us both an aneurysm.” The camera pans out to show Clayton sitting next to Rachel on the couch. He smiles and raises his eyebrows.
Clayton offered a bit more information about his reunion with Rachel in an Instagram Story. In a video, he pans across a room full of Bachelor Nation alums, saying, “Hi guys. It’s me hanging with my friends. A little breakfast action.” In the video are Blake Horstmann and his girlfriend Love is Blind star Giannina Gibelli, Caelyn Miller-Keyes, and Michelle. The last person shown in the video is Rachel, as Clayton laughs.
Rachel and Michelle are very funny together as they hint at the shock of a possible rekindling of Rachel and Clayton’s relationship. A reunion between Rachel and Clayton would be surprising, but it would also make sense. Although Rachel was part of the initial roasting of Clayton on her season, she did once express that the men on The Bachelorette season 19 did not make her feel as wanted as Clayton did. They shared a very strong connection, and Rachel certainly believed that she had a chance to get engaged to him at the end of his season.
Even if Rachel and Clayton do not rekindle their romance, the fact that they have become friends again is heartwarming. Their relationship was full of fun and love, until the unfortunate ending when Clayton was indecisive. They were very romantic with each other throughout the season. Clayton has since worked on his mental health, and is in a much better place than he was during his Bachelor season. Perhaps Clayton and Rachel really will have a second chance at love.
The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Source: Rachel Recchia/TikTok, Clayton Echard/Instagram
