It’s been two years since Clare Crawley has appeared on reality television, but the former Bachelor contestant is coming back to television screens in a big way!
“I’m so excited,” the 38-year-old told PEOPLE, after being cast as the lead of The Bachelorette. “I’ve gone through a lot of personal growth in the last couple of years. And my goal has always been to find happiness — and love.”
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Crawley was a runner-up on Juan Pablo’ Galavis’ season of The Bachelor in 2014, and was also on Bachelor in Paradise twice. The hairstylist did find love on The Bachelor Winter Games in 2018 with Benoit Beauséjour-Savard. The two got engaged that February, but called it off after a little over a month.
“We realized we were different and wanted different things,” Crawley said. “But we still totally stay in touch. And we root for each other and for each other’s happiness.”
After having trouble finding love on the Bachelor franchise shows, many people have asked why she continues to return to the franchise.
“People always talk about, ‘Why would you go on the show again?’” Crawley said. “But it’s common for people, especially my age, to go through relationships. And whether they are good or bad, you take something from them. [Each experience] has propelled me into a different level with myself.”
“I feel like my age is really an asset,” Crawley said, referring to her age. “I’ve gone through twists and turns and I know what I will and won’t put up with. Twenty-three-year-old Clare had no clue what I wanted. And I’m glad that wasn’t the end of my love story because I’m such a different woman now.”
As for fame-seeking suitors, no need to apply.
“I get that there are a lot of perks that come along with The Bachelorette,” Crawley admitted. “But in the end, I want a man who I can bring home and watch TV with on a Friday night who doesn’t want to be in the spotlight.”
Ultimately. the Bachelor Nation alum is hoping to find The One in her season of The Bachelorette.
“There have been plenty of times where I’m sitting alone on a Saturday night, thinking, ‘Am I ever going to find anyone?’ But I know what I want and what I’m looking for. And I’m ready to start the next part of my life,” she said.
The Bachelorette is set to premiere on May 18 on ABC.
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Brittany R
Brittany is a writer who is obsessed with rom-com movies, Gossip Girl, reality television, fashion, and pop-culture. When she isn't reporting on the latest celeb buzz, she is filling up her online shopping cart without checking out.
