After a hiatus last year, Bachelor in Paradise finally returns for Season 10 with a whole new cast looking for love. The season sees a lot of firsts, including trading its iconic Mexican backdrop for the beaches of Costa Rica, and fan-favorite bartender Wells Adams will be getting some extra help from none other than Bachelor Nation alum Hannah Brown.

The season is packed with firsts, including the unexpected arrival of Golden Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants, leaving fans wondering how they will fit into the mix. As always, romance and drama are guaranteed, especially with a cast primarily from The Bachelorette Season 21 (Jenn Tran) and The Bachelor Season 29 (Grant Ellis). But the biggest surprise? The return of Dale Moss, a standout from The Bachelorette Season 16.

Why Dale Moss Decided To Join Bachelor In Paradise Season 10

Dale Moss on Bachelor in Paradise
Dale Moss on Bachelor in Paradise Season 10.
Via: Disney/Sami Drasin

Bachelor in Paradise returned on July 7 after a year-long hiatus, but it was one unexpected arrival that truly stunned both fans and the new Season 10 cast. Dale Moss, best known for his controversial stint on The Bachelorette Season 16, made a surprising comeback to Bachelor Nation, stepping onto the beaches of Costa Rica with hopes that this time, he'll finally find lasting love.

Before fans got to see Dale on the beach, he spoke to People about why he decided to go back to reality TV for love.

"Honestly, I’m in Paradise just to be open to the experience,” he began. “Life has a lot of changes, and I think there’s so many times that we want to control everything, right? And this is, for me, kind of refreshing stepping into an environment that I might not have all the answers to, and honestly, showing up and being myself and hoping that’s enough."

In addition to the surprise inclusion of Golden contestants, Dale Moss stands out as the oldest contestant on BiP at age 36. Speaking to People, Dale shared that his age could actually be an advantage, noting that he's gained clarity over the years about what he wants in a partner.

"The first time around, I was proud of who I was. I think I just had a lot of insecurities and fears that a lot of men have [about] being enough for someone or really wanting to solve all these problems. I’ve learned a lot more about boundaries. And also, going into this, I know who I am. I know what type of woman I want, and I’m not really trying to impress anyone. It's kind of a big step for anyone just to come here and just put themselves out there.”

“I’m happy with where I’m at in my career, I’ve got very clear direction there, I’ve got great people around me. And I know that I want a relationship, and I can be patient with that. I don't need to rush it, but it’s important to see what’s out there.”

Dale Had A Whirlwind Romance With The Bachelorette's Clare Crawley

Bachelor Nation fans remember all too well the whirlwind that was Dale and Clare Crawley on her season of The Bachelorette in 2020. Clare — who made history as the oldest Bachelorette at the age of 39 — immediately connected with Dale (who was 32 at the time), giving him the first impression rose. Just four episodes in, the two declared that they were in love with each other, and she decided to end her Bachelorette journey early, with Dale proposing to her and forgoing the rest of the season.

After Clare's whirlwind romance with Dale and opting to leave the show early, she was replaced by Tayshia Adams.

Of course, Clare and Dale got a lot of hate for their unexpected romance and quick engagement. At the time, they blocked out the naysayers. "I really get that I am not for everybody, I get that everybody might not do what I did or agree with what I'm doing, but at the end of the day, this is all for love," Clare shared. But, after experiencing a rocky relationship, they split for good in September 2021.

Later that same year, Dale began dating HGTV star Galey Alix, and the two were together for nearly two years before calling it quits at the end of 2024. In his interview with People, Dale opened up about why he chose to return to Bachelor in Paradise so soon after the breakup, revealing that despite the heartbreak, he's still hopeful about finding lasting love.

"I kind of want to just escape,” he shared. "And I also know at the end of the day, meeting someone is very important to me. So I’m just open," he added.

What Happened When Dale Made It To The Beach In The Premiere Episode?

Dale Moss and Kat Izzo on Bachelor in Paradise
Dale Moss and Kat Izzo on Bachelor in Paradise.
Via: Disney/Bahareh Ritter

Bachelor in Paradise Season 10 kicked off with the contestants showing up one by one to their hotel in their brand-new location in Costa Rica. As the cast got to know one another that night, with even a few already sharing kisses, Dale was nowhere in sight. But, he shocked everyone when he joined the group the following day.

The women were in awe when Dale walked up on the beach, with Kat sharing, "He's a man. Dale Moss is definitely a lot of man." Alexe, who came from Grant Ellis' Season 29, also shared, "Oh my goodness, who is that tall, beautiful, blue-eyed man?" In fact, the men saw Dale as tough competition.

The Bachelor in Paradise contestants for Week 1 include:

  • Alexe-Anne “Alexe” Godin, 28 - Grant Ellis' Season 29
  • Bailey Brown, 28 -Grant Ellis' Season 29
  • Brian Autz, 34 - Jenn Tran's Season 21
  • Dale Moss, 36 - Clare Crawley's Season 16
  • Hakeem Moulton, 30 - Jenn Tran's Season 21
  • Jeremy Simon, 31 - Jenn Tran's Season 21
  • Jessica "Jess "Edwards, 26 - Joey Graziadei's Season 28
  • Jonathan Johnson, 28 - Jenn Tran's Season 21
  • Justin Glaze, 30 - Katie Thurston's Season 17
  • Katherine “Kat” Izzo, 28 - Zach Shallcross' Season 27
  • Kyle Howard, 31 - Katie Thurston's Season 17
  • Lexi Young, 31 - Joey Graziadei's Season 28
  • Riquerdy “Ricky” Marinez, 29 - Jenn Tran's Season 21
  • Sam McKinney, 28 - Jenn Tran's Season 21
  • Spencer Conley, 32 - Jenn Tran's Season 21
  • Zoe McGrady, 28 - Grant Ellis' Season 29

Dale had a few conversations with Alexe and Zoe, but he was immediately drawn to Kat Izzo and chose to go on a date with her, which was a trip on a catamaran.

"I'm definitely attracted to her. I think she's beautiful and there is definitely layers she hasn't shown me and that's something that is intriguing to me," he shared in a confessional.

The two had a great conversation and even shared a kiss. Initially, Kat appeared to hit things off with The Bachelorette's Season 21's Jonathan Johnson, but she ends up giving her first rose to Dale. Still, there's still plenty of time to see if Kat finds herself in a love triangle.

Bachelor in Paradise airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.

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Bachelor in Paradise
TV-14
Competition
Reality
Release Date
August 4, 2014
Network
ABC
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Chris Harrison
    Self - Host
  • instar49992156-1.jpg
    Jesse Palmer
    Self - Contestant

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

In this spinoff of the popular reality dating show, previous participants from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette get another chance at love. Every week in a secluded paradise, contestants are eliminated and new participants are brought in. Who will wind up together in the end?

Seasons
9