Juicy Drama Unveiled: Explosive Showdowns, Surprising Ex Reunions, and Unforgettable Moments in ‘BiP’ Season 9

Wells Adams, the bartender on Bachelor in Paradise, has the best view of all the drama unfolding on the show. We recently caught up with him to get the details, including the inside scoop on this season's popular Paradise drink, the Jorge Special.

One of the most dramatic storylines is the relationship between Brayden Bowers and Kat Izzo. It all came crashing down when Kat went on a date with Tanner Courtad without informing Brayden beforehand, during the episode that aired on Thursday, October 12th.

Wells expressed his disappointment with how Kat handled her situation with Brayden during the October 13 episode of Us' "Here for the Right Reasons" podcast. He believed that they were one of the strongest couples on the beach before Tanner and Tyler Norris arrived. Wells was surprised that Kat didn't try to discuss their issues beforehand. Additionally, he felt heartbroken for Brayden when Kat dismissed him after he complimented her appearance. Wells then compared Brayden to Dean Unglert, who was also considered a villain on Charity Lawson's season of The Bachelorette.

Brayden's arrival this season didn't sit well with me. I believe many in the Bachelor Nation shared my sentiments, but I'm delighted to admit when I'm proven wrong. It's a recurring theme each season. Brayden, much like my good friend Dean, has an eccentric nature that sets them apart, yet authentically themselves. Brayden's redemption arc brings me joy; it serves as a valuable life lesson. It reminds us that hastily judging a person's character based on their exterior or initial impression is often a mistake. Everyone deserves a second chance.

Former Bachelorette Rachel Recchia, who recently ended her engagement to Tino Franco, is set to embark on a new romance adventure in season 9 of BiP.

"[Fellow contestants on BiP] treat [former leads] differently, but the former leads have also experienced different treatment due to their experience as the lead," Wells shared with Us. "In Paradise, there are contestants who were eliminated on the first night or during the first rose ceremony, and when they meet someone like Becca Kufrin or Rachel who have a lot of TV exposure, there is a sense of awe. Last week, when Hannah Brown arrived, it was a perfect example of this phenomenon. Everyone sees her as someone incredibly special." Rachel, on the other hand, has the unique experience of dating in front of her exes, including Tyler and Aven Jones.

“I think Aven made her feel uncomfortable,” Wells remarked to Us. “I can't say whether Tyler had the same effect. She seemed thrilled to see both of them, but she was apprehensive about talking to Aven and eager to engage with Tyler.”

Rachel Recchia and Aven ABC/Craig Sjodin

Still to come for this season of BiP is Wells’ “Paradise Truth Box” twist.

The Paradise Truth Box is a major new addition this season. I am curious to see how both the audience and the cast will react to it. As the facilitator, I may face some backlash. However, I believe it presents a unique opportunity for individuals to share their opinions without any consequences. This feature mirrors the downside of Twitter where people can hide behind keyboards to spread negativity, but it also allows for honest revelations, which can be beneficial, especially when it comes to progressing relationships.

Moreover, the Truth Box enables people to express their attraction towards someone without the fear of being accused of stealing them away. Ultimately, it has the potential to foster genuine connections and dissolve relationships that are not meant to be.

Bachelor in Paradise airs on ABC on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. To get more insights from Wells, such as his undisclosed conversation with Will Urena on the beach, as well as to hear from Brayden and Kat, tune in to We's "Here for the Right Reasons" podcast.

In this article

Rachel Recchia

Wells Adams

Bachelor in Paradise