Photo: Byron Cohen/ABC
Jesse Palmerhas been looking good as Bachelor Nation’s host!
The former star ofThe Bachelorreturned to the franchise in 2021 — but instead of looking for love, heguided 31 contestantson their romantic journey to win over season 26 starClayton Echard.
Having previously been named the Bachelor himself in 2004, Palmer was well-suited to serve as Echard’s mentor. Based on his past experiences and lessons learned, Palmer hoped to help Echard in the love-finding process.
John Fleenor/ABC
WhileTayshia AdamsandKaitlyn Bristoweserved as co-hostsduringKatie ThurstonandMichelle Young’s seasons ofThe Bachelorette, Palmer has been filling the shoes of longtime hostChris Harrison, wholeft the show in February 2021.
Palmer’s no stranger to hosting, as he’s hosted various television shows, including ABC’s 2021 summer seriesThe Ultimate Surferand the network’s 2018 reality showThe Proposal.
Jesse Palmer/instagram
What else is there to know about theBachelorhost? Here are some more fun facts about Palmer — from his time in theNFLto his love of food (and all things chocolate!).
He played football for two teams in the NFL
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Palmer played five seasons for the NFL’sNew York GiantsandSan Francisco 49ersin the early 2000s, according to ESPN. The Bachelor-turned-host also made history in 2004 as the first professional athlete to nab the lead onThe Bachelor.
Since then, other professional athletes have followed in Palmer’sBachelorfootsteps, including two-timeIndianapolis 500winnerArie Luyendyk Jr.(season 22) and former San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders football playerColton Underwood(season 23).
He also played for the Canadian Football League (CFL), like his dad
Palmer was born in Toronto but grew up in Nepean, Ontario, a suburb of Ottawa in Canada. His parents, Bill and Susan, were constant support systems throughout his life.
His mother was a fashion model and former owner of Ottawa’s ITM International Top Models (currently known as Models International Management).
He chose Jessica Bowlin on his season ofThe Bachelor
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DuringThe Bachelor’s fifth season in 2004,Palmer chose Jessica Bowlinat the end of his romantic run — but it did not end in a proposal. Though the two left the show as a couple,they splitjust one month after the finale aired, lasting only four months together.
“Jessica and I shared an incredible romantic journey on the show that began with a friendship that remains strong today,” the former football playertoldExtrain a statement at the time. “We simply realized that, individually, our next steps take us in different directions.”
Palmer married model Emely Fardo
Jesse Palmer/Instagram
Palmer and modelEmely Fardo— who celebrated their engagement in Paris in July 2019 —tied the knoton June 5, 2020. The couple kept their ceremony intimate, marrying at a friend’s house in Connecticut. As PEOPLE previously reported, their initial plan to wed in France was canceled due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.
The married couple, who began dating in 2017, told PEOPLE at the time, “Big or small, wedding party or not, we feel so grateful and lucky to have found each other!”
Palmer considers himself a foodie
Like many of us, Palmer can’t resist some good grub!
“I have a huge desire for chocolate, anything chocolate,” heshared with the network.
In addition to enjoying food often featured on the shows, Palmer has alsoheld hosting gigs at Food Network, including 2014’sFood Truck Face Off, 2020’sBakeaway Camp with Martha Stewartand several seasons of Holiday Baking Championship.
He has a dog named LouLou
In October 2020, Palmer and Fardo adopted an Aussiedoodle puppy named LouLou.
A mix of Australian shepherd and poodle, LouLou loves the spotlight — and even has her ownInstagram page!
LouLou has also made appearances on Palmer’s Instagram, with theBachelorhost frequently documenting his pup’s adorable face and their daily shenanigans.
“What is LouLou thinking here?! 😆 #IfYouNeedHelpBlinkTwice,” he jokinglycaptioned a shotof him holding LouLou in his arms in December 2021.
source: people.com
