Why Fans Are Dying to See Olympian Ilona Maher as the Next Bachelorette: Her Reaction, Rumors

Ilona Maher is the internet’s newest obsession. The 28-year-old rugby Olympian gained a huge social media following during the 2024 Olympics (where she won a bronze medal!), and became a fan-favorite on season 33 of Dancing with the Stars. Now, fans are wondering if she’s ready to take on her next ABC franchise — could she be the next Bachelorette?!

What Ilona Maher Has Said About the ‘Bachelorette’ Rumors

Despite the swirling rumors, Ilona’s focus remains firmly on her first love: rugby. Speaking to TooFab after her DWTS performance on November 19, she shared her aspirations for the sport.

“I would love to get back into rugby,” Ilona said. “That’s my home, there’s more to be done. There’s a World Cup next year, and we want to get record numbers out to watch that and to get to experience rugby. This is going to be a whole new forum,” she added, referring to the Women’s Rugby World Cup, set to take place in New Zealand in August and September.

While rugby may be her priority, fans are holding out hope that Ilona might consider stepping into the Bachelorette spotlight. However, the Olympian herself remains undecided.

“Look, I’m for the people, and if people like it, I’ll play up into it. I think it’s a fun rumor to go around. Do I know if I’ll do it? Probably not,” she admitted to TooFab.

Ilona even poked fun at the idea on TikTok, where she shared a hilarious video getting Bachelorette advice from fellow DWTS competitor and former Bachelor Joey Graziadei, who showed her how to hand out roses like a pro.

Has ABC Confirmed the Next ‘Bachelorette’ Yet?

While The Bachelorette usually pulls its next leading lady from the previous season of The Bachelor, however, Ilona did reveal that some producers from the Bachelorette had spoken to her during an interview with Entertainment Tonight!

“They were looking for me,” she confirmed after the Nov. 19 episode of DWTS. “Guys, I don’t know. Don’t get your hopes up — I don’t know, OK, I don’t know if my grandmother wants to see that,” she said before the interviewer asked if Ilona, herself, wanted to see that.

“I would rather date 30 men but then like not be on camera, you know what I’m saying,” she laughed. “Is there any way I don’t have to get engaged in the end? I can just be like ‘Let’s see where it goes.'”

Should Ilona decide to venture into reality dating, her DWTS pro partner, Alan Bersten, has already laid out some conditions.

“One stipulation: I’m a producer on it. I check the candidates, I’ll take them on first dates,” he jokingly interjected during a recent interview.

Fans might remember Ilona’s viral moment earlier in the DWTS season when she playfully outlined the type of men she’d want cast for her season. Her must-haves? They need to be at least 5’10”, athletic, and passionate about food.

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