Jesse Palmer Claims Bachelorettes Rachel and Gabby Won't Be 'Competing' Against Each Other

From the moment Rachel Reccia and Gabby Windey were announced as co-Bachelorettes, fans have been concerned that the two-lead format would drive a wedge between the friends. However, host Jesse Palmer is stepping in reassure fans that the pair will "absolutely [be] supporting each other more so than competing."

Palmer told Entertainment Tonight that neither he nor the series' producers know how this season will play out, explaining, "Rachel and Gabby have the power to make some of their own decisions." He said that the show will leave it up to its stars to shape the season.

"There's two Bachelorettes, there's a lot of guys, and they have to sort of navigate that," Palmer said. "I think in certain moments [they will] really veer off course and do things their own way. There's no set formula. There are no rules... A lot of things are going to happen that have never happened before."

Palmer's assurances aside, The Bachelor franchise is notorious for setting up feuds and igniting drama with its casting decisions. It's hard to believe that the series had no ill intent when it named the two best friends as co-Bachelorettes and set them up to date the same group of men.

The host even acknowledged this fact, telling ET that this season features "a very unique situation" that will require Gabby and Rachel to "navigate [relationships] at the same time, which at times can pose challenges."

Palmer went on to say some of the men on the show went into the season with "no idea [that] they're trying to date simultaneously." He hinted that this will be a source of drama for the season, adding that there will be moments where the men are trying to "juggle both women."

"That’s a part of it," Palmer said. "There were situations that came up that we've never encountered and that's sort of the beauty of this season."

The Bachelorette premieres July 11 at 8:00 PM ET on ABC and will be available to stream on Hulu the next day.

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Kirstie Renae is a writer, blogger, and Austin-based actress with a penchant for binge-watching TV with her dogs. Follow her on Twitter @KirstieRenae.