Caila Quinn had her heart broken by Bachelor Ben Higgins when the overnight dates were filmed last November, and four months later she’s dealing with heartbreak of a different kind.
Just weeks after being confirmed by both Us Weekly and blogger Reality Steve as the Season 12 Bachelorette , a new report indicates that Bachelor producers ditched Caila just a few days before she was expected to be introduced on Monday night’s live After the Final Rose special.
How accurate is Steve’s report, when does filming start for JoJo, and will Caila join the cast of the franchise’s spinoff, Bachelor in Paradise , this summer?
Prom posing #Jamaica (Dress by: @bebe_Stores !) @mfirestone12 pic.twitter.com/AQiASl6Vfh
— JoJo Fletcher (@JoelleFletcher) March 1, 2016
Last January, Bachelor creator Mike Fleiss told Us Weekly that he hoped to add a “little diversity” to the cast on the upcoming season, prompting speculation that the gig would go to Caila, Jubilee, Jami, or Amber. At that time, Steve stated that Caila, who is half-Filipino , was the most likely to get the gig as ABC’s next leading lady because she placed in Ben’s top four.
By the time the overnight dates aired earlier this month, Steve said that he was certain Caila got the gig and tweeted photos of the 24-year-old software sales rep filming her intro package in her hometown of Hudson, Ohio.
Multiple media outlets, including Us Weekly and TMZ , went with the story and confirmed that Caila Quinn would be handing out roses this May, despite ABC ‘s report that they would not be making the announcement until the live After the Final Rose special on March 14.
“Once we finally know who Ben Higgins ends up with, we will then find out which lucky lady will be the next Bachelorette for season 12. Will we have another firecracker like Kaitlyn Bristowe? Watch The Bachelor: After the Final Rose at 10|9c on Monday to find out.”
On Friday, Reality Steve tweeted that he was trying to “get confirmation” about rumors that were “circulating.” It wasn’t until Monday morning that his followers found out what the cryptic tweet meant.
After double-checking the one source that told him that producers had a change of heart about who would start filming this month, Steve revealed on Monday morning that “it sure looks like JoJo is getting the gig.”
Caila reportedly found out on Thursday that she wouldn’t be embarking on a journey to find love, but this may not be the end of the road for her as far as the Bachelor franchise goes.
Steve’s source tells him that she is “not happy” with the producers’ decision and thinks that most of her disappointment is based on her missing out on a “huge opportunity to build her brand,” something many leads and contestants aim for when they are cast on reality TV shows.
What’s next for Caila and how will Chris Harrison explain JoJo getting the gig so soon after falling in love with Ben Higgins?
Think you’re ready for love? Ask yourself.. Am I the kind of person.. the person I’m looking for, is looking for? #ReflectionFriday
— Caila Quinn (@CailaQuinn) March 11, 2016
The show’s runner-up normally doesn’t get a chance to score the lead, so if the reports are correct, this could explain why the latest print issue of Us Weekly reveals that JoJo was “upset” but not “bitter” or “angry” when Ben sent her home at the final rose ceremony last November.
Perhaps Higgins sensed that she wasn’t as invested in their relationship as Lauren Bushnell , making it much easier to watch her move on and date 25 guys cast for the upcoming season.
As for Caila, don’t be surprised if she shows up on the upcoming season of Bachelor in Paradise along with a few girls from the Ben’s season who are rumored to be joining the show.
“I just miss talking to him.” #WomenTellAll #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/zIDMEJzN6X
— The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) March 8, 2016
According to a previous report from The Inquisitr , host Chris Harrison already confirmed that Lace Morris is heading to Paradise and has a dream cast in mind that includes Emily and Haley Ferguson, Jubilee Sharp, and Olivia Caridi. Will he add Caila to the list on the ATFR on Monday night?
Watch the Bachelor season finale at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, followed by the live After the Final Rose special at 10 p.m. ET.
[Image via Caila Quinn Instagram , JoJo Fletcher Instagram ]