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David Spadewill be taking on guest-hosting duties in the upcoming season ofBachelor in Paradiseamid longtime hostChris Harrison’s break fromThe Bachelorfranchise.
Spade, 56, will be one of the celebrities in a rotating roster of guest hosts for the seventh season of the ABC dating show, a source confirms to PEOPLE.
The comedian andSaturday Night Livevet often covers the show on his Instagram account. He’s also spoke out about his love for the series during an appearance onJimmy Kimmel Live!back in March.
“I like it all,” Spade said, when asked to choose betweenThe BachelorandThe Bachelorette. “I just make fun of whatever’s in front of me.”
News ofBachelor in Paradise’s hosting change-up comes three months after Harrison, 49, stepped away from the franchise amid controversy for defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s past racist actions.
In an interview forExtrawith former BacheloretteRachel Lindsayearlier this year, Harrison questioned the “lens” of 2021 compared to 2018 and said that people should have “a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion” for resurfaced social media posts of Kirkconnell’s — which showed her dressed in Native American attire as a costume and attending an antebellum plantation-themed college party.
Chris Harrison.John Fleenor/Getty
Fan-favorite former BachelorettesTayshia AdamsandKaitlyn Bristowewere later announced asreplacements for Harrisonin the 17th season ofThe Bachelorette.
“As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion withinThe Bachelorfranchise, we are dedicated toimproving the BIPOC representation of our crew, including among the executive producer ranks,” Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment said in a joint statement at the time. “These areimportant stepsin effecting fundamental change so that our franchise is a celebration of love that is reflective of our world.”
RELATED VIDEO: Chris Harrison Speaks Out amid Racism Controversy, Says He Plans to Return to Bachelor Franchise
While it’s not clear when Harrison will return to the franchise, he said in March during an appearance onGood Morning Americathat he doesplan on coming back eventually.
Listen below toour daily podcast PEOPLE Every Dayfor more on David Spade guest hostingBachelor in Paradise.
He shared in the interview that he is working with “a race educator and strategist” as well as faith leaders and scholars, likeDr. Michael Eric Dyson.
“Dr. Dyson often talks to me about counsel, not cancel. That is full accountability … owning from that, learning from that. Seeking council from the community that you hurt, gaining experience knowledge and moving forward,” Harrison said onGMA.
“I am saddened and shocked at how insensitive I was in that interview with Rachel Lindsay. I didn’t speak for my heart, that is to say I stand against all forms of racism … I’m sorry to Rachel Lindsay and I’m sorry to the Black community,” he said, adding that he is “committed to progress, not just for myself, also for the franchise.”
source: people.com
