'The Bachelorette' recap: Clare 'blows up' the show and Tayshia makes her debut
After weeks of hype, Thursday's episode of "The Bachelorette" finally confirmed our suspicions: Clare Crawley found true love with Dale and opened the door for Tayshia Adams.
Thursday's episode opened with the 16 remaining men, feeling confused and a bit angry about where they stand with Clare, pondering their next move.
Meanwhile, host Chris Harrison paid Clare a visit to warn her that "the path we're on right now… we can't continue." There, she made the stunning revelation that she was in love with Dale and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.
That led Chris to respond with the phrase that's been teased for weeks, "Congratulations, you've blown up 'The Bachelorette.'"
Chris then informed the remaining men that both the cocktail party and the rose ceremony had been cancelled. Afterwards, he asked Dale to step outside and the other competitors become all the more confused when neither man returned.
Dale, as it turned out, had been invited on a one-on-one date by Clare, in which she professed her love for him. After happily returning her feelings, the two shared a slow dance while being serenaded by Chris and Brie, winners of "The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart."
Later, Dale proposed to Clare and she excitedly accepted.
Their whirlwind romance sparked controversy though, as there were rumors that the two were secretly in contact prior to the competition. Clare and Dale have vehemently denied the claims.
Back at the villa, Chris delivered the news to the others that Clare would be departing the show, but offered the men a "historic" proposition. The competitors, should they choose, would be allowed to continue their journey with a brand new bachelorette: Tayshia Adams from "The Bachelor" season 23.
The guys were divided on whether to accept the offer or not, but most seemed grateful for the fresh start after not really having the chance to forge a bond with Clare.
Blake, Zach J., Jason and Riley were initially uncertain, but after giving it some thought, all men eventually agreed to try their luck with Tayshia.
As teasers from the next episode suggest, however, Tayshia and the guys are in for a bumpy ride.
"Tayshia," warned Chris as the episode wrapped, "unfortunately everything's about to change."
Also next week, Clare and Dale will "return to tell all," and will address the rumors that they lied to Bachelor Nation.
"The Bachelorette" returns next Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
