Maura Higgins Set to Star as Bachelorette After Show Cancelled Over Frankie Paul Arrest

The cancellation of the latest season of The Bachelorette has triggered internal restructuring at ABC, with Maura Higgins emerging as the leading candidate to take over a franchise facing reputational challenges.

The disruption centres on Taylor Frankie Paul, who had already completed filming as the lead for season 22 before the network abruptly pulled the show days before its scheduled premiere. The decision followed public attention on a 2023 domestic violence incident involving her former partner, with footage that resurfaced leading to criticism.

Maura Higgins – Instagram

ABC responded by cancelling the broadcast. Despite having invested heavily in production, promotion and scheduling, the network confirmed it would not proceed, citing concern for those involved and the impact of airing a season tied to an active legal controversy. The move raises questions about the future of the franchise, already under pressure from declining ratings and changing audience habits.

It halted a fully produced season and disrupted ABC’s primetime schedule, forcing executives into emergency planning to replace an established reality format. It also highlighted how off-screen issues can affect the show.

Paul’s casting was presented as a change in casting approach. She was the first lead drawn from outside the traditional Bachelor ecosystem, brought in with an existing audience from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. That visibility, however, increased the reaction once the footage resurfaced, linking the show to the controversy.

Maura Higgins – Instagram

Maura Higgins is being considered, a reality television figure with existing audience recognition. Known for Love Island and more recently The Traitors, Higgins represents a different casting choice rather than a direct replacement.

Reports around her potential casting are based on speculation rather than confirmation. Following the cancellation, attention has focused on whether ABC may explore a revised format, potentially including a live version, with Higgins as the lead. Her response, limited to a brief social media reaction, has kept attention on the speculation.

Maura Higgins – Instagram

Higgins differs in that her public profile is already established through reality television. Unlike Paul’s situation, which brought off-screen issues into focus, Higgins is not currently linked to controversy that could affect production.

Even with a replacement, there are broader concerns. Recasting a lead does not resolve the issues exposed by the cancellation. Reports suggest ABC is weighing whether to revive the format, with some indicating the franchise could face a hiatus or end if issues persist.

Audience interest is also a concern. Bringing in a known personality like Higgins may maintain short-term interest, but it continues a change away from the show’s original premise of introducing unknown participants into a structured format.

Higgins remains not confirmed. ABC has not announced a replacement lead or clarified whether the cancelled season will be reworked or cancelled.

The franchise has changed. The cancellation has led to changes where casting decisions are now influenced by risk management, public scrutiny and the ability to sustain a production after release.

If Higgins steps into the role, it will be as the person responsible for helping the show recover, at a time when it is unlikely to return in its previous form.