The Bachelor season 26 leading man Clayton Echard experienced what is widely regarded to be one of the worst seasons in the history of the show, but he has hope that Bachelor Zach Shallcross will have a better time than he did. Clayton made many mistakes as the Bachelor and was heavily criticized for telling all of his final three women, Gabby Windey, Rachel Recchia, and Susie Evans that he loved them. He was also slammed for getting angry when Susie was upset by this, and the fact that he had slept with both Gabby and Rachel in the Fantasy Suites before hers. Although they eventually reconciled, Clayton and Susie have since broken up. Clayton has become a mental health advocate because he struggled so much during his Bachelor experience.
The Bachelor season 27 after his appearance on Rachel and Gabby's season of The Bachelorette. Although he seemed to be a frontrunner to win Rachel's heart, their Fantasy Suite date changed everything. Rachel began to question if Zach was really ready for an engagement at his young age. Zach later said that Rachel turned into a completely different person behind closed doors, which really shocked him. He left the show heartbroken, but is now ready for another chance at love.
Clayton Echard Says Zach Shallcross Is On A Better Path As The Bachelor
In an interview on the not talked with Zach yet, but from what he has seen from the promos so far, Zach "seems like he’s probably on a lot better path. I haven’t seen any drama pop up." This was not the case for Clayton's season, which was marred not only by a tumultuous ending, but so much conflict among the women of his season. Clayton went on to say that his line is always open to Zach if he ever wants to talk. He shared that he has "been hearing a lot of really great things about him, and how I think he’s navigated it a little bit better."
Clayton Echard Is Here For Zach Shallcross
In regard to The Bachelor, Clayton added that he is "ready to it off to [Zach]." He itted that his past mistakes on the show will help to make Zach look good, no matter what happens. He said, "I think what I did was just come in and be a complete trainwreck. So I'm like, hey buddy, here's the bar. You can just go ahead and elevate it from here on out." Clayton also acknowledged that there will most likely be some things that Zach will struggle with, so he said that if he ever wants to have a discussion, "I’m obviously here for him."
Zach's Season Of The Bachelor Is Different From Clayton's
Zach's season of The Bachelor has completed filming, so any advice that Clayton would have to offer would have to be about dealing with the aftermath of the experience. Host Jesse Palmer has said that Zach's season is more about love than drama, so hopefully Clayton is right about Zach having a better time. Although Clayton did not handle his role as The Bachelor all that well, he has successfully navigated his journey after the show with grace and humility.
Clayton has found his ion as a mental health advocate, and is making a real difference in people's lives. Fans had negative reactions to both Clayton and Zach being cast, something that really affected Clayton's self-image. Hopefully, Clayton is right that Zach's time on The Bachelor will be better than his, but if he needs advice or guidance, Clayton could be a perfect friend for him.
The Bachelor premieres Monday, January 23 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
Sources: Bachelor Happy Hour, Zach Shallcross/Instagram