Bachelor in Paradise axes fan favourite couple after new twist and $500k prize shakes up show

BACHELOR in Paradise has axed a fan favourite couple after a new twist, as a $500k prize shook up the show. 

Season 10 of Bachelor in Paradise premiered on July 7th and has had viewers hooked. 

And it’s certainly kept viewers on their toes, especially in a recent episode where host Jesse Palmer told contestants “everything is going to change.” 

He said: “Paradise is, and always has been, about finding love and creating relationships people can take outside of paradise.

“And this year, we’re raising the stakes.”

Jesse continued: “Moving forward, there will be no more new arrivals here in paradise. 

“All of your exercises are going to be relationship tests designed to do exactly that — test your relationship. 

“Sometimes there will be winners who need to make a pivotal decision, and sometimes there will be losers that won’t have any roses to hand out. 

“But in the end, the strongest and the most deserving couples are going to be faced with a life changing opportunity: the possibility of leaving paradise with up to half a million dollars.”

It comes as a huge twist for the contestants, who are trying to find deeper connections in Costa Rica. 

Now, they’ll be faced with this new set of rules, but also the chance to bag a hefty cash prize. 

Jesse then left after dropping the bombshell, but hinted that more would be revealed in due course. 

Some of the stars of the show then expressed concerns over the impact the money would have on people’s intentions. 

“There’s money involved. More tension, higher stakes. I think it could corrupt some of the relationships. I’m excited to see the phony ones start ripping apart at the seams,” said Allyshia Gupta. 

And Golden contestant Gary added: “I’m here for love, but it’s now a game, and when money is involved, people do stupid things. People do things just for the money.”

The next day, the couples played an intense game where the winning couple would get to go on a date, and the winning woman would be given the power to choose who goes home at that week’s rose ceremony.

Bailey Brown and Jeremy Simon ended up being victorious, and in the bottom three were Leslie Fhima and Gary; Faith Martin and Kim Buike; and Brian Autz and Parisa Shifteh.

Then, in a shock move, Bailey ended up sending home Lesie and Gary. 

She said: “It’s harder when you have to make a decision on where people are with their connections and who deserves to have more time in paradise.

“’I’m gonna have to end somebody’s love story here, and you just don’t enjoy that.”

Bailey continued: “Leslie, I love you so much. You’ve been so important to my journey here at paradise. I’m sorry that I can’t offer you this rose. I really hope that you and Gary find each other after this. I’m so sorry.”

The dumped BIP stars revealed plans to continue their connection back at home. 

Leslie said: “Even though I’m sad and I wish we could have stayed, I think that we show the young people that when you get older, you don’t have to stop having fun or tame it down.” 

And Gary added: “It breaks my heart, because I know Leslie was so genuine in wanting to find love, as was I. Her and I will continue to move forward with our journey, just in a different way.”