From Villain to Veteran: Lace Morris’s Journey Back to Bachelor in Paradise Season 8
Six years after her memorable, and at times tumultuous, journey on season 3 of Bachelor in Paradise, Lace Morris is making a highly anticipated return to the sandy beaches of Mexico. The reality TV veteran is ready for another shot at finding lasting love on the show’s 8th season, which is set to premiere on September 27th. Fans of Bachelor Nation will undoubtedly remember Lace from her dramatic yet ultimately hopeful first stint, where she left engaged. Now, at 32 years old, she’s among the initial group of 18 singles from various Bachelor franchises, all hoping to connect and build a genuine relationship. As is tradition with Bachelor in Paradise, the initial cast will soon be joined by new arrivals, introducing fresh dynamics and challenges, with rose ceremonies guiding the path to eliminations and, hopefully, true love. Her return signifies a fascinating evolution for a contestant who has experienced both the highs and lows of the franchise, promising an intriguing narrative for viewers this season.
It has indeed been a considerable stretch since Lace Morris last graced our television screens, making her comeback all the more exciting for devoted followers of the Bachelor universe. Her previous appearances left an indelible mark, characterized by both vulnerability and strong personality. For those eager to catch up or learn more about this returning star, we delve into five key facts about Lace Morris, exploring her past on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise, her life outside of reality television, and what she brings to the table for this new chapter in her romantic quest. Her history is rich with experiences that have undoubtedly shaped her perspective on love and relationships, making her a compelling figure to watch as she navigates the complexities of Paradise once more.
1. What Season Of ‘The Bachelor’ Was Lace On?
Lace Morris first stepped into the national spotlight as a contestant on season 20 of The Bachelor, which captivated audiences at the beginning of 2016. Her initial appearance on the hit ABC dating series saw her vying for the affection of season 20’s Bachelor, the beloved Ben Higgins. From the outset, Lace made a distinct impression, quickly emerging as a standout personality. During the intense first two weeks of filming, her candidness and emotional intensity led to her being cast in the role of the season’s “villain” by some viewers and even fellow contestants. This label often comes with significant scrutiny in the Bachelor universe, but Lace handled it with a unique blend of self-awareness and defiance. However, in a surprising turn of events that defied typical reality TV narratives, Lace made the brave decision to quit the show voluntarily during week three. In an emotional conversation with Ben, she articulated her reasons, stating that she needed to take time to work on herself and address personal issues before truly being ready to pursue a committed relationship with someone else. This act of self-preservation showcased a maturity and understanding of her own needs that was rare for a contestant so early in the process, foreshadowing her journey of self-discovery both on and off-screen. Her departure, while unexpected, allowed her to gain clarity and set the stage for her future appearances within the franchise.
2. What Happened To Lace On ‘Bachelor in Paradise’?
Less than a year after her self-imposed departure from The Bachelor, Lace Morris ventured to Mexico, seeking a second chance at love on season 3 of Bachelor in Paradise. This marked a significant return for Lace, who was determined to approach dating with a fresh perspective. Her journey on the beach began with a brief, albeit dramatic, connection with Chad Johnson, a notoriously controversial figure from JoJo Fletcher’s season of The Bachelorette. Their intense, short-lived fling generated significant buzz due to Chad’s confrontational behavior, but it ultimately fizzled out when he exited the show early. Following this initial turbulence, Lace found herself drawn to Grant Kemp, another contestant from JoJo’s season. Their relationship quickly blossomed, becoming one of the central love stories of Paradise season 3.
Lace and Grant’s relationship, affectionately dubbed “Grace” by fans, was characterized by undeniable chemistry but also its fair share of “rocky moments” and disagreements throughout the season. Despite these challenges, their bond deepened, leading to a pivotal moment at the final rose ceremony where Grant proposed, and Lace happily accepted. Following the show, Lace took a significant step, relocating from Denver to San Francisco to be with Grant, signaling a serious commitment to building a life together. However, the pressures of post-show life, combined with the inherent challenges of translating a whirlwind romance into everyday reality, proved to be too much. Their engagement was tragically short-lived; by November 2016, a mere two months after the BIP finale aired, Lace and Grant announced their split, leaving fans disappointed.
In the months that followed their breakup, both Lace and Grant offered insights into what went wrong. Grant candidly described their relationship as “volatile” and admitted that they no longer spoke, suggesting a difficult end to their romance. For Lace, the experience was a learning curve, further shaping her understanding of relationships under the public eye. Moving forward, she continued her quest for love outside the franchise. In 2017, she began dating a man named Russell, whom she met through the popular dating app Bumble. While this relationship was a private attempt at finding connection away from the cameras, it also eventually concluded. Her past experiences, marked by public engagements and private heartbreaks, provide a rich tapestry of lessons that Lace will undoubtedly carry into her return to Bachelor in Paradise season 8, making her journey a poignant and relatable one for many viewers.
3. What Is Lace’s Job?
Beyond her appearances in the dramatic world of reality television, Lace Morris has carved out a successful and stable career for herself in the competitive field of real estate. She currently works as a dedicated real estate agent in Denver, Colorado, a bustling market that demands extensive local knowledge and client-focused service. Since 2017, Lace has been a licensed realtor affiliated with Compass, a prominent and rapidly growing technology-driven real estate company known for its innovative approach to buying and selling properties. In this role, she assists clients with a variety of needs, from finding their dream homes to navigating complex property transactions, leveraging her communication skills and local expertise to deliver exceptional service.
Before embarking on her journey in real estate, Lace gained valuable professional experience in different sectors. She previously contributed her talents to the Social Media Marketing team at CEG Talent, where she likely honed her skills in digital communication, content creation, and brand promotion – abilities that certainly prove useful in today’s visually driven real estate market. Her work in social media marketing would have given her insights into connecting with diverse audiences and effectively conveying messages, which are crucial for client engagement. Furthermore, reflecting her strong work ethic and diverse background, Lace also spent a significant period working at various restaurants in Denver between 2006 and 2016. These earlier roles in the hospitality industry undoubtedly equipped her with excellent customer service skills, the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, and a strong sense of responsibility, all of which are highly transferable and beneficial in her current career as a real estate professional. Her diverse career path highlights her adaptability and determination to build a fulfilling life outside of the spotlight.
4. Where Did Lace Go To School?
Lace Morris is not only a reality television personality and a successful real estate agent but also a well-educated individual with a background rooted in communications and hospitality. She pursued her higher education at Metropolitan State University of Denver, a reputable institution known for its diverse academic programs and strong connection to the local community. In 2011, Lace proudly graduated from the university with a comprehensive degree in Hospitality and Sports Communications. This particular field of study equipped her with a versatile skill set, combining principles of effective communication, public relations, event management, and client relations, all within the dynamic contexts of hospitality and sports industries. Such a degree would have provided her with a solid foundation for interacting with diverse groups of people, understanding consumer behavior, and managing complex situations – skills that are undoubtedly valuable in both her past reality TV endeavors and her current client-facing real estate career.
Further demonstrating her commitment to professional development and specializing in her chosen field, Lace also pursued and obtained her Real Estate License in 2014. This crucial credential was acquired through Kaplan University, a well-known provider of professional licensing and education programs. Securing her real estate license was a significant step, as it legally qualified her to represent buyers and sellers in property transactions. This educational background, encompassing both broad communication skills and specialized real estate knowledge, showcases Lace’s dedication to building a robust professional life and equips her with the expertise necessary to excel in the competitive Denver real estate market. It also reflects a journey of continuous learning and growth, aligning with her personal journey of self-improvement.
5. Lace Is A Dog Mom
Away from the cameras, the complexities of dating, and the demands of her real estate career, Lace Morris finds immense joy and companionship in her role as a devoted dog mom. Her beloved canine companion is a sweet dog named Lola, who often features in her personal life updates and social media posts, showcasing a softer, more nurturing side of Lace. The bond she shares with Lola is clearly a source of comfort and happiness, highlighting the importance of pets in her life. Beyond her furry friend, Lace is also a passionate advocate for a healthy and active lifestyle. According to glimpses shared on her vibrant Instagram page, she is deeply enthusiastic about fitness and the great outdoors.
Living in Denver, Colorado, Lace is perfectly positioned to indulge in her love for nature and outdoor activities. Her social media often features her engaging in various forms of exercise, whether it’s hitting the gym, going for invigorating hikes amidst the breathtaking Colorado landscapes, or exploring the numerous parks and trails the region has to offer. This commitment to physical well-being not only contributes to her overall health but also provides an outlet for stress and a way to maintain balance in her busy life. Her passion for the outdoors likely extends to activities such as walking Lola, combining her love for her pet with her appreciation for nature. This active and balanced lifestyle paints a picture of Lace Morris as someone who values self-care, personal growth, and the simple pleasures of life, making her a well-rounded and relatable figure as she prepares to re-enter the dramatic world of Bachelor in Paradise. Her journey on the show will undoubtedly be influenced by the grounding experiences of her life back home in Denver.
As Lace Morris steps back onto the shores of Bachelor in Paradise for Season 8, she carries with her a wealth of life experiences, both from within and outside the Bachelor franchise. From her initial fiery debut on The Bachelor to her engagement and subsequent heartbreak on a previous season of Paradise, and her successful career as a real estate agent, Lace has evolved significantly. Her return offers a compelling narrative of growth, resilience, and a renewed hope for finding true love. Fans are eagerly anticipating how her past lessons and mature perspective will influence her journey this time around. With her unique blend of vulnerability and strength, Lace Morris is poised to deliver another memorable and potentially heartwarming chapter in her quest for love.