Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia were both contestants on Clayton Echard's season of "The Bachelor." The two made it all the way to the finale in Iceland before Clayton ultimately decided to win back eliminated contestant, Susie Evans, instead.
Throughout filming, Gabby and Rachel became incredibly close, despite competing directly against each other. They offered each other support during the aftermath of Clayton's decision, which is what host Jesse Palmer, who will also be hosting this season of "The Bachelorette", said sealed the deal on the next season.
"Watching you both support each other in Iceland, and also how you have tonight, that was really the big reason why we decided to give you both a shot."
The decision to have two bachelorettes was announced during the finale of Clayton's "Bachelor" season. In the episode, Rachel voiced her support for Gabby and their upcoming reality TV journey.
"I'm so happy for her. This is insane and I'm excited to do this journey with you. We did it once together and we've been through the most crazy experience together."
Gabby was also sentimental about the odyssey before them, stating,
"I'm a girl's girl, through and through. Having a friend by my side is the best thing I could ask for!"
Fans were worried that the season would pit two women against each other in a toxic way, but creator Mike Fleiss assured them that wouldn't be the case. He posted a photo of the two women smiling together with the caption,
"See, no drama… Just two friends helping each other find true love!"
See if Gabby and Rachel can find true love when season nineteen of "The Bachelorette" premieres July 11 on ABC.
