'Bachelor' Star Matt James Announces Split From Rachael Kirkconnell

Matt James announced his separation from the winner of his season of The Bachelor.

Source: Jeff Kravitz/Getty

Less than 12 hours after posting together on a trip to London, Matt James took to Instagram to announce his split from Rachael Kirkconnell.

The old Bachelorwho made history as the show's first black lead in season 25, announced the news by posting a prayer on Instagram on Thursday, January 16.

“Father God, give Rachael and me the strength to mend our broken hearts,” her caption begins. “Give us peace regarding this decision to end our relationship which transcends the understanding of the world. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our joy comes from you, Lord ðŸ'””

The aforementioned post features an image of James and Kirkconnell when they first met on The Bachelor. Over the past few years, the couple have become known for their food adventures, posting photos and videos of them trying dishes all over the world.

Her final post on her Instagram Stories — which still hadn't expired at the time the breakup was posted — featured several different pizzas and tagged her location as London. The two have been posting together from across the pond in recent days, sharing all of their favorite meals from the trip.

The couple met in season 25 of The Bachelor in 2020, with Kirkconnell winning James' season amid controversy. By the time of the finale, the couple chose to continue dating but not get engaged.

Kirkconnell was embroiled in controversy after photos of her attending an Antebellum-themed party at college surfaced online. James and Kirkconnell briefly split amid the backlash, but in May 2021, the couple confirmed they had rekindled their romance.

Rachael has yet to comment on the split.