Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s relationship was very up and down after they met and fell in love Bachelor season 25. The couple instantly bonded on the reality show, but it wasn’t until their first one-on-one date in week 5 that things got more serious. In the evening part of the meeting, Matt and Rachael revealed they fell in love with each other.
Although Rachael didn’t get Matt’s first impression rose, she did get his final rose, and they left the show as a couple. Although they stayed together, they did things a little differently didn’t get engaged at the end of the series like most couples in The Bachelor franchise. When they left the show together, Matt and Rachael were involved in drama that reared its head throughout their relationship.
Rachael won Matt’s season Bachelor
Their connection was undeniable
Matt was in contact with several women during his season Bachelorbut within weeks it was clear that Rachael would be his final choice. Both expressed that they were in love, but after being so vulnerable, Rachael admitted how scared she was about the process of the show. “I feel like I’ve been looking for this all my life, what feels like, and now I feel like I’ve finally found it.” he said and added, “The only concern is that I just don’t understand you at the end of this.”
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Matt assured Rachael they were on the same page, and a few episodes later, he met Rachael’s family in her hometown. In the end, Matt sent runner-up Michelle Young home and revealed he wasn’t proposing to anyone, but still wanted to be with Rachael. Although he didn’t get down on one knee, he did give Rachael his final rose and they left the show together.
Matt and Rachael used to break up after the final rose, but quickly got back together
The scandal rocked their relationship
Although Bachelor season 25 aired, social media posts began to circulate Rachael attending an antebellum plantation themed party. Matt made history as the first black lead Bachelorwhich makes these findings even more disappointing to many viewers. Rachael responded to the allegations by issuing an apology on Instagram, saying: “I learned and will continue to learn how to be anti-racist.”
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During Bachelor season 25 In March 2021, after the Final Rose special, Matt and Rachael announced their split shortly after Rachael’s photos surfaced online. In the weeks that followed, reconciliation rumors swirled when Matt and Rachael were spotted together in New York in April 2021. A month later, when they appeared Glory podcast, Matt revealed Rachael gave her “ultimatum,” which was the pressure she needed to commit to him and they got back together.
Matt and Rachael basically lived together during their relationship
They were attached to the hip
Despite being together for years, Rachael and Matt were in a long-distance relationship – even if it didn’t seem like it. From 2021 to 2025, Rachael still lived in her native Georgia while Matt lived in Florida, but they were constantly traveling to see each other in their own homes. In addition, the couple traveled constantly and always posted from different places to showcase their favorite dishes in each place. Most recently, the couple traveled together to London, England, and Matt posted several videos of what the couple ate there.
In a Q&A posted on Youtube Matt’s On the YouTube channel, he said that he is long distance, but admitted that they basically live together. During the presentation he said: “Whether we’re both in Alpharetta or both in Miami, we’re both in New York, we’re practically joined.” Living in different states, but still manage to spend so much time together showing how invested they were in the relationship.
Matt and Rachael divorced again in 2025
It came out of left field
Matt and Rachael built up quite a following on Instagram and TikTok showcasing all the different foods they ate on their various travels. Almost every post featured them together, smiling and laughing as they enjoyed one of their favorite activities together. But just hours after they posted about the food they tried together on a trip to London, Matt shocked fans by revealing they had decided to end their relationship after more than four years together.
Father God, give Rachael and I the strength to mend our broken hearts. Give us peace about this decision to end our relationship that is beyond earthly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our joy comes from you, Lord
Bachelor alum announced their split on Instagram on January 16, 2025, posting a photo of their time together Bachelor and write a prayer for them”broken hearts” in the title. The sharp turn from their trip together left everyone on edge, though it’s possible Matt shared messages after their trip ended. Still, Rachael has yet to comment on the split, leaving even more confusion about what really happened and whether they’ll reconcile again.
Bachelor is available to stream on Hulu.
Sources: Matt James/YouTube, Matt James/Instagram
