Katie Thurston’s Surprise Arrival on Bachelor In Paradise Beach Shocks Ex-Fiance and New Love Interest

Katie Thurston crashed the beach and threatened the budding romance between her ex Blake Moynes and Jess Girod on Thursday’s episode of Bachelor In Paradise.

The 32-year-old former star of The Bachelorette was a surprisal arrival during the season nine episode after getting engaged to Blake, 32, who she picked as the winner of season 17 of The Bachelorette.

Katie told show host Jesse Palmer, 45, that she had neither spoken to nor seen Blake in a couple years after they announced their mutual breakup in October 2021.

‘Blake and I ended on good terms. However, I did move on probably quicker than he was expecting, which then left a salty taste in his mouth,’ Katie said in a confessional, referencing her short-lived relationship with John Hersey. 

Jesse told Katie that Blake had no idea that she was there and asked her how surprised he was going to be to see her.

‘I don’t think Blake’s gonna be happy that I’m here,’ Katie said. ‘But, you know, when opportunities come, you got to take it and just see what happens. I mean, I’ll never say no to love, right? And love happens when you least expect it.’

Blake was sitting next to his love interest Jess, 24, of Winter Springs, Florida, when his ex Katie arrived.

‘The first person I look to is Blake. And you know that this man wears his emotions on his eyes. And all I’m seeing is panic,’ said Kat Izzo, 27, a registered nurse from Tampa, Florida, in a confessional.

Wide-eyed Blake certainly looked anxious and covered his mouth after quietly cursing when he saw Katie.

Katie introduced herself to everyone as Blake freaked out.

‘What is she doing here? I would have never…,’ Blake said in a confessional. ‘I was in love with this girl. I’ve not seen her in two years. It’s just weird seeing her. It’s kind of the worst nightmare.’

Katie cut to the chase and grabbed Blake for a private conversation.

They talked about their breakup over the phone in 2021 and Katie asked if he listened to the voice memos that she sent.

Blake said he remembered all six of her voice notes and admitted that he was ‘bitter’ and wasn’t ready to respond to her.

Katie told Blake that she was sorry for how it ended and Blake said seeing her reminded of the good times they had.

Jess in a confessional admitted that she couldn’t compete with any lingering feelings Blake might have for his ex-fiancee.

Blake told Katie that he had a connection going with Jess, but admitted he thought it would be easier to navigate.

Katie told Blake that their love was real to hear and he said he was thrown for a loop.

Rachel Recchia, 27, checked in on Jess who admitted that she felt like an idiot and had an ‘engagement dress’ packed.

‘I just want to be in love and happy. And, like, I’m not there yet. And, I don’t want to give up, because I want that so bad. But, like, at what cost?,’ Jess said wiping away tears.

A producer was then shown asking Katie if she still loved Blake and she blushed before failing to answer. 

Blake later asked Jess to speak with him privately and she was instantly worried.

He admitted in a confessional that he was confused because he spent less time with Katie but still understood the love that he felt for her, yet spent more time with Jess and wasn’t feeling it.

They sat down to talk and Blake was blunt with her.

‘I’ve had a real taste of what love is here and I fee like we’re not getting there at all,’ Blake said as Jess looked devastated.

Bachelor In Paradise will return next week on ABC.