Olympian Ilona Maher is looking for love! In a recent interview, the Dancing with the Stars alum reacted to fans pitching her as the next Bachelorette. The idea began circulating online after Taylor Frankie Paul’s season was axed following footage of her physically assaulting her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, in 2023, which was released by TMZ. Ilona called the support for her as the next leading lady “very sweet” and revealed that she is open to the idea, under one condition.
Here’s what you need to know.
The DWTS competitor would want Joey Graziadei producing
Ilona Maher spoke to Entertainment Tonight about the possibility of being cast as the next Bachelorette.
“The only way I would do it, I was talking to Joey Graziadei. He’d have to executive produce,” she told the outlet on the red carpet for the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special.
Ilona met Joey on Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars. The finalists developed a tight bond on the show, and Ilona celebrated his win in the finale.
She detailed her vision for The Bachelorette in her interview with ET, saying her season would bring the comedic relief.
“It [would] be like an episode of The Office,” she said. “A guy would say something, and then I’d look at the camera [insert Jim Halpert face]. And then it’d just be funny.”
Ilona ended the interview by saying she is open to the idea, telling the outlet, “Maybe. I don’t know.”
The Bachelorette is currently on hiatus after ABC canceled Taylor’s season, which was expected to air on Sunday, March 22. Disney Entertainment released a statement explaining their decision not to continue.
“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” the statement read.
The network has not revealed plans for the show’s return, but we’re hoping Ilona is the one giving out roses.
The Bachelorette is streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
TELL US – DO YOU WANT TO SEE ILONA MAHER AS THE NEXT BACHELORETTE?
