Wells Adams Expresses Surprise Over Aaron Bryant and Eliza Isichei’s Split, Hopes for a 'Bachelor in Paradise' Reunion (Exclusive)
Wells Adams, from 'Bachelor in Paradise,' made a surprising move by contacting production for a season 9 reunion before the unexpected splits of all three couples
Wells Adams ABC/Craig Sjodin
Bachelor in Paradise season 9 viewers aren’t the only ones feeling the fallout from the recent breakups. In an exclusive interview with We, Wells Adams and Joe Amabile discussed the shock of all three couples calling it quits right after the finale aired.
"I reached out to production asking about the after show, and they said, 'Oh, we’re not doing one this year,'" Wells, 39, shared during a joint interview with Joe, 37, to promote their partnership with Diageo’s newly launched ready-to-serve Cocktail Collection. “I really want some answers from all these people who have broken up since the show ended."
After the December 7 finale, Kylee Russell took to Instagram to announce her breakup with Aven Jones due to his unfaithfulness. Shortly after, Kat Izzo and John Henry Spurlock also called off their engagement, and Eliza Isichei and Aaron Bryant followed suit with their own breakup announcements on the same day.
“I can’t believe Aaron and Eliza,” Wells shared with Us. “They were such a great match, it's like we stopped filming them because once you get too comfortable, you’re not as interesting to watch. I was really convinced they were going to be the next couple to tie the knot on the beach - I was sure of it. As for Kat and John Henry, I don’t think I’m really surprised. I adore them both, but they are so different. I know opposites attract, but come on - you’re a deep-sea welder and scared of water? That’s just not going to work.”
Wells expressed his sadness regarding the ending of Aven and Kylee’s relationship, stating that he disliked how personal issues are easily aired on social media. He also expressed his hope for the best for both of them. Meanwhile, Joe, who married Serena Pitt in 2022 after meeting on the beaches of Paradise, wasn’t as surprised after watching the season and recapping the show on the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast.
ABC/Craig Sjodin
"Now I understand how Michael Jordan must feel watching the Bulls, you know, it's like amateur hour out there," he quipped. "As a success story from the show, you find yourself rooting for people, but it really comes down to getting lucky. Serena and I work well together because - I don't know, it feels like we are destined to be together and I don't think that's as simple as people might assume. It's not just about perfect circumstances. We genuinely complement each other, and I didn't see that dynamic in any of the other couples. For Aaron and Eliza, as a viewer, I felt like something was missing the whole season. It always seemed very superficial when I watched it. Wells has an insider perspective, so he may see more. Unfortunately, I'm just not surprised."
When questioned about fans' criticism of the season as a "fail" due to the absence of successful couples, Wells acknowledged, "I understand." "People want engagements and meaningful relationships," he said. "It's challenging because we've had a strong track record over the past few seasons. You can't predict what will work out and what won't. I recall speaking with producers before this season and expressing that I want to emphasize the idea that an engagement is not necessary for a successful outcome."
Wells cited Becca Kufrin and Thomas Jacobs — who met on season 7 and have since gotten engaged, welcomed a baby and married — as an example.
The Cocktail Collection
We all want the dramatic Neil Lane proposal, I understand. But I believe the true health of the show is better served when meaningful relationships are formed. Sometimes I wonder if there's too much pressure to get engaged. Kylee seemed to feel that pressure and was determined to get engaged. I wish I had been there to remind her that the real success of the show is finding love and leaving with someone, whether you get engaged or not. Success doesn't have to be a beach wedding. It's about finding someone you truly care about. That's why I thought Kylee and Aven were going to work, Joe pointed out. Wells agreed, saying, "No wonder he didn't want to get engaged, I guess."
The bartender smoothly redirected the conversation back to their partnership with BiP, suggesting that he could have improved the couples' experience if he didn't have to work as hard. "If I had The Cocktail Collection in Paradise, things would've been better because I wouldn't be so focused on making the drinks. I could just pour them and be like, 'Tell me what's going on, I can actually give you some good advice,'" he explained.
The stars of Bachelor Nation recently introduced The Cocktail Collection, featuring drinks like the Ketel One Espresso Martini, the Ketel One Cosmopolitan and the Tanqueray Negroni. They enjoyed the collection with family and friends at a holiday party earlier this month, eliminating the need for them to play bartender at their social gatherings. Wells expressed his enthusiasm for The Cocktail Collection, emphasizing its convenience and larger format options, such as four or eight servings. He especially praised the Old Fashioned, which helped him secure his role as a bartender on Paradise. The collection has greatly improved his life, and he encourages everyone to try it and avoid the hassle of making drinks for large groups. The collection is available nationwide on Drizly.
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Joe declared his love for the Negroni, stating, "The espresso martini is amazing, it's Serena's favorite, but I'm really feeling the Negroni right now."
Wells shared that his wife, actress Sarah Hyland, also loves espresso martinis, saying, "My wife can't resist espresso martinis. If you see her drinking one, get ready for at least four renditions of songs from Rent and three Disney musical songs," he joked. "Every time that little coupe glass comes out, it's espresso martinis, and everyone's in for a good time. They're all really delicious."
