ABC/Rick Rowell(NEW YORK) — The second-season premiere of the ABC spin-off Bachelor in Paradise Sunday night was highlighted by the return of Ashley Iaconneti, and the introduction of her sister.
Ashley I., the self-professed virgin from Chris Soules’ season of The Bachelor, brought along her younger sister Lauren to Mexico to join several other Bachelor/Bachelorette alumni, even though Lauren had no previous connection to the franchise.
Jade Roper and Tenley Mohlzan were among those who questioned why Lauren was allowed to hang around in paradise.
Lauren was immediately wooed by Mikey Tenerelli, though she later complained to Ashley I., “He is too aggressive. He’s already claimed me.”
Lauren showed how much she takes after her sister when she broke down in tears at a cocktail party. She vaguely remarked that she was “freaking out,” apparently overwhelmed by her new surroundings.
For her part, Ashley I. had her eye on Jared Haibon, who was coming off a rejection by Kaitlyn Bristowe earlier this summer on The Bachelorette. He was initially reluctant to accept her invitation for a date after she received the first date card. He warmed up to her, though, as they took an ATV ride through a jungle to a private beach.
Jade also earned a date card, and Ashley I. was worried that she would ask out Jared, too. However, Jade opted for Tanner Tolbert, another contestant from the recent Bachelorette season.
Another romance that may be brewing: Kirk Dewindt and Carly Waddell, who kissed during the cocktail party.
The quirky Ashley Salter — a.k.a. “onion girl” from this year’s edition of The Bachelor — was more preoccupied with caged parrots than mingling with the others when she first arrived. Later, she was taken to the hospital for reasons not made clear.
The episode ended with the addition of season-one star Clare Crawley to the crew.
Speaking of the first season of Bachelor in Paradise, Marcus Grodd and Lacy Foddoul were brought back to tie the knot in a wedding officiated by host Chris Harrison. Their romance began on the show last summer.
The season premiere continues Monday night at 8 p.m. Eastern time with more dates and the first rose ceremony. The men will hand out the roses; any woman who does not receive a rose will be asked to leave. There is one twist: if either Ashley I. or Lauren get a rose, both sisters will remain on the show.
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
