In what's described as a "historic" announcement, Rachel Lindsay, a 31-year-old attorney from Dallas, has been cast as the lead for Season 13 of The Bachelorette.
According to US Weekly, the announcement was made on the February 13 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live. The casting fulfills a commitment by the network to add diversity. Lindsey is African-American, making her the first person of color in the leading role for either The Bachelorette or The Bachelor.
A statement from ABC VP Robert Mills said, "This coveted role is always reserved for a fan favorite from the previous season, and Rachel is no exception and has been the fans' choice since she exited the limo. She is an accomplished, confident, and beautiful woman who knows what she wants in life. We all look forward to joining her on the joyous journey as she looks for that one special man."
Lindsay appears on the current season of The Bachelor, as one of the remaining contestants vying for the affections of bachelor Nick Viall. The fact that she's been announced as the lead of The Bachelorette would seem to not bode well for her prospects with Viall. Spoiler!
Lindsay made a brief appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live to confirm the news. When Kimmel pointed out the spoiler, Lindsay said that casting for the new season needed to get underway.
"We're a couple weeks out from filming, we're ready to get this started," she said. "I'm ready to find love, find a husband."
Lindsay's a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in kinesiology and sports management, and obtained her law degree from Marquette University. She's currently an associate with Cooper & Scully in Texas.
The Bachelor airs on Mondays at 7 pm. Season 13 starring Lindsay will launch on May 22.
---------
Eric Sandler contributed to this story.
