Ilona Maher Pitches Bachelorette Role with Dancing Partner

It's March 24th.

Welcome in.

This is Entertainment and Celebrity News, where pop culture meets AI.

I'm Corey, with the story.

Fans of the Bachelorette are buzzing after producers canceled season 22, leaving a big

gap to fill for the next lead.

Rugby star and two-time Olympian Alona Maher has shot to the top of the wishlist, bringing

her athletic energy and fresh appeal to the franchise.

Maher recently shared she's game for the role, but only on one key term.

She wants her dancing with the stars partner from season 33, Alan Burston, to step in as

executive producer and personally select the contestants.

Burston already has ties to Bachelor Nation.

He won season 28 of Dancing with the Stars, with former Bachelorette Hannah Brown, and even

went on a date with Gabby Wendy back in 20, 23.

The cancellation stem from controversy around initial pick Taylor Frankie Paul.

A video surface showing her in a heated altercation with her ex, throwing chairs near

a child, prompting ABC to pull the plug amid the domestic, violence fallout.

Paul later thanked the network for her support and plans to open up about her side, including

years of alleged abuse.

As casting heats up, all eyes stand whether Maher's playful pitch could land her the