The Bachelor Season 25: Matt James & Rachael Kirkconnell Relationship Timeline

Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell had a very up-and-down relationship after meeting and falling in love on The Bachelor season 25. The pair connected immediately on the reality show, but it wasn't until their first one-on-one date in week 5 that things became more serious. During the evening portion of the date, Matt and Rachael revealed they were falling in love with each other.

While Rachael didn't receive Matt's first impression rose, she did receive his final rose, and they left the show as a couple. Even though they stayed together, they did things a little differently as they didn't get engaged at the end of the series like most couples from The Bachelor franchise. After they left the show together, Matt and Rachael were involved in drama, which would continue to rear its head throughout their relationship.

Rachael Won Matt's Season Of The Bachelor

Their Connection Was Undeniable

Matt connected with several women during his season of The Bachelor, but as the weeks went on, it was clear Rachael would be his final choice. Both of them expressed they were falling in love, but after being so vulnerable, Rachael admitted how scared she was about the process of the show. "I feel like I've been searching for what feels like my whole life for this, and now I feel like I finally found it," she said, adding, "The only worry is that I just don't get you at the end of this."

Matt reassured Rachael he was on the same page, and a few episodes later, he met Rachael's family during her hometown date. In the end, Matt sent runner-up Michelle Young home and revealed he wouldn't be proposing to anyone, but he still wanted to be with Rachael. Though he didn't get down on one knee, he did give Rachael his final rose, and they left the show together.

Matt & Rachael Broke Up Before After The Final Rose But Quickly Got Back Together

A Scandal Shook Their Relationship

While The Bachelor season 25 was airing, social media posts began to circulate showing Rachael attending an antebellum plantation-themed party. Matt made history as the first Black lead on The Bachelor, making these findings even more disappointing for a lot of viewers. Rachael responded to the allegations by issuing an apology on Instagram, saying, "I am learning and will continue to learn how to be antiracist."

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During The Bachelor season 25 After the Final Rose special in March 2021, Matt and Rachael revealed they had broken up shortly after the pictures of Rachael surfaced online. In the following weeks, reconciliation rumors continued to swirl as Matt and Rachael were spotted together in New York in April 2021. A month later, during an appearance on the Pomp podcast, Matt revealed Rachael gave him an "ultimatum," which was the push he needed to commit to her, and they got back together.

Matt & Rachael Basically Lived Together During Their Relationship

They Were Attached At The Hip

Despite being together for years, Rachael and Matt were in a long-distance relationship--even though it didn't seem like it. From 2021 through 2025, Rachael still lived in her native Georgia while Matt stayed in Florida, but they were constantly traveling to see one another in their respective homes. Plus, the couple was constantly traveling, always posting from different locations to show off their favorite foods in each place. Most recently, the couple traveled to London, England, together, with Matt posting several videos of what the couple ate there.

In a Youtube Q&A posted to Matt's YouTube channel, he opened up about being long-distance but admitted they essentially live together. During the intro, he said, "whether we're both in Alpharetta, or we're both in Miami, we're both in New York, we practically are joined at the hip." Living in different states but still managing to spend so much time together proves how invested they were in the relationship.

Matt & Rachael Broke Up Again In 2025

It Came Out Of Left Field

Matt and Rachael built up quite a following on Instagram and TikTok, showing off all the different foods they ate on their various trips. Almost every single post featured them together, smiling and laughing as they enjoyed one of their favorite shared activities. But, just a few hours after posting about the food they were trying together on a trip to London, Matt shocked fans by revealing they had decided to end their relationship after more than four years together.

Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts. Give us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our Joy comes from you, Lord

The Bachelor alum took to Instagram on January 16, 2025, to announce their split, posting a photo from their time on The Bachelor and writing a prayer for their "broken hearts" in the caption. The sharp pivot from their trip together to a breakup caught everyone off-guard, though it's possible Matt was sharing the posts after their trip had already ended. Still, Rachael has yet to comment on the breakup, leaving even more confusion about what really happened and whether they will reconcile again.