The Bachelor star Rachael Kirkconnell reveals why Matt James ended their relationship: ‘I'm mad'
Rachael Kirkconnell has revealed she was blindsided by her boyfriend of four years, Matt James, when he broke up with her while they were on holiday together in Tokyo.
The reality TV star appeared on the Call Her Daddy podcast to share her version of events after James issued a shock statement on 16 January announcing that they had split.
During the episode, Kirkconnell claimed that the pair had been discussing picking out an engagement ring and having children in the months before he broke up with her, and that James shared his breakup statement – without consulting her – while she was at the airport to return home days after the split.
The pair met and fell in love on the 25th season of the ABC dating show The Bachelor. They had tumultuous start to their relationship when Kirkconnell was embroiled in racism controversy after pictures of her at an antebellum plantation-themed party in 2018 surfaced online.
At the time, The Bachelor host Chris Harrison defended Kirkconnell against the racism controversy, which ultimately led to his exit from The Bachelor franchise in June 2021 after 20 years with ABC. In response to the controversy, James and Kirkconnell split, but they were spotted together a month later and rekindled their relationship.
Since they repaired their relationship, the couple had been sharing loved-up pictures of their travels together, which meant that their January 2025 split came as a shock to fans – and to Kirkconnell who has said she was blindsided.
In her first time speaking about the breakup publicly, Kirkconnell told Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper that in the days leading up to the breakup, she felt that things were tense between herself and James and that they were bickering over dinner.
Speaking about the day of the breakup, she said that the pair were travelling to a restaurant when he 'snapped' at her.
'So we were on the way to get some food and I was scrolling through my phone, showing him a bunch of videos. I guess I was bothering him. I was annoying him. … [He] kind of snapped at me to where I got mad at him because I was like, 'You know, even if I'm annoying you like, don't treat me like that.' And so then it seemed like we were both kind of mad at each other or annoyed with each other.'
When they got back to the hotel, Kirkconnell said that James raised his concerns about their long-term compatibility.
'He said that at the end of the day, there were just qualities about me that he worries about having in a wife,' Kirkconnell said. 'At the end of the day, there are things that we aren't compatible with and the whole accountability and saying sorry and all that was really the main thing. It was just one of those things where he just had this realisation that 'I should want to propose to you by this time. Like, at this point in our relationship, I should be wanting those things and I should be ready for that.''
Kirkconnell grew emotional as she explained she felt thrown by James's decision, claiming she had been 'hearing the opposite' in previous months when they had casually discussed 'picking out rings', wedding plans and the possibility of having children.
'We talked about rings, he told me a few months ago to start saving some things, picking things out,' she said. 'That felt like such a green flag to me. I felt like that was a good sign. I don't know, when he started talking about kids and picking out a ring, wedding food and where we want the wedding. I don't know if there were any actions following those things but when you're told these things you just wanna hold on to them,' she said.
Kirkconnell admitted she was shocked when James posted his breakup announcement without warning while she was at the airport to travel home.
'I was freaking out. I just got broken up with and now a few hours later, it was out for the whole world to see. My phone was blowing up.'
'When I step back, I'm mad,' she said. 'He should not have done that to me after four years. He didn't even text me to give me a warning, like, saying, 'Hey, I'm posting this.''
Kirkconnell admitted that the pair have had contact since the breakup and James called her at 1 am 'four or five days' after his breakup post and has tried to check in on her.
'I confronted him about the post. … And that's when he was like yeah, 'I fully admit that I could have handled this a lot better.' And he apologised.'
'It really sucks to look back at how things ended for us. It's heartbreaking.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The View sparks confusion over ZERO mention of Donald Trump and Elon Musk fallout: 'Did they get censored?'
The View left many disappointed and confused on Friday after the ABC daytime show failed to mention Donald Trump and Elon Musk 's sensational fallout. The President and the Tesla billionaire's alliance erupted on Thursday over their differences on Trump's 'big beautiful bill.' Throughout the afternoon of June 5, the pair engaged in a very dramatic public showdown with Musk calling for Trump to be impeached after linking him to Jeffrey Epstein, and Trump threatening to deport the Space X boss. Many fans of The View had tuned in to watch the June 6 episode in anticipation of outspoken hosts Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, and Alyssa Farah Griffin unpacking the headline-making bust-up. However, they were left disappointed to when there was zero mention of the feud. understands the lack of reference to Trump and Musk's spat is because Friday's episode of The View was actually taped on Thursday, June 5. Nevertheless, many confused fans took to social media to voice their upset over the episode, with some going as far as saying the show's bosses had 'missed the mark.' Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one said: 'Cannot believe you're not talking about what everyone else is talking about today!' 'This must be a taped show,' added another. 'I'm so disappointed. I was looking forward to it.' 'Is this taped!? Or did they get censored?!' a third asked. 'I want "The View" on the girl fight yesterday!' 'Where are the current events?' another quizzed. 'I am so disappointed. Is the show pretaped last year? Love y'all, but you missed the mark. Not a word about the break up of the bromance.' A fifth continued: 'Hmmmm. Prerecorded? Nothing on the elephant in the room? The Feud?' 'No talk about the biggest and best news in ages, very disappointing!' blasted another. A seventh huffed: 'How disappointing no Musk drama mentioned. That sucks and I switched channels.' Instead, the hosts responded to Malia Obama dropping her last name as she starts a new career in filmmaking. Trump last night appeared to shrug off the stunning public feud in an interview with Politico. 'Oh it's okay,' he said during a phone call, before touting his recent polling: 'It's going very well, never done better. 'The numbers are through the roof, the highest polls I've ever had and I have to go.' Trump had earlier threatened to terminate Musk's lucrative federal contracts with allies suggesting he and his companies be stripped of security clearances.
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Inside Sue Cleaver's life with ITV colleague husband ahead of Corrie exit
Coronation Street's Sue Cleaver will soon leave the ITV soap. The Eileen Grimshaw star, 59, has played her role in the hit ITV soap since the year 2000, but will soon say goodbye to the show. Not a spotlight-seeker, Sue has previously said of her personal life: 'I do keep my life private and I am very happy with my home life.' But for anyone wondering, who is Sue's husband, and what has she said about him? And does she have any kids? Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Sue is married to Brian Owen, a lighting technician for ITV. The couple met on Coronation Street, and left their previous relationships to be together in the early 2000s. They've been together ever since. As of 2019, it seems the pair still work together on the Corrie set, too – as Sue revealed during a segment on This Morning, where she discussed her terrifying battle with sepsis. She said at the time: 'My husband, who also works on Corrie, he was on a night shoot and he had to ring me. 'He said to his colleagues – something's not right, I can't hear what she's saying because her teeth are chattering so much… He rang our daughter-in-law who's a paramedic and she said, 'Get her to hospital'.' The couple share a pup named George Paws, who often features on Sue's Instagram. Sadly, in October last year, the star confirmed the beloved pooch had died. Previously, Sue was married to actor James Quinn from 1993 to 2003, who she met in 1991. Fans might recognise James from roles in soaps including Corrie (as D.S. Willetts), Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, and Doctors, as well as TV series Early Doors and 2017 film Apostasy. The exes appear to get along well, and even put on a play together in 2009 – called Marriages Made In Heaven. James told Manchester Evening News at the time: 'It's quite funny to be doing this with Sue. Although we got divorced, we get on well, but we haven't acted together on stage since we first met in a play in 1991.' Sue has one son, Elliott Quinn, reportedly born in 1998, who she shares with ex-husband James. We don't know much about Elliott, though he did appear at the 2018 British Soap Awards for a rare walk down the red carpet with his mum – though it seems he's now a parent himself. Yep, Sue is also a grandma! She recently took Instagram to reveal she'd become a grandmother for the fourth time, in fact – with a few heart emojis alongside an adorable snap of the newborn baby. It's not entirely clear how many children her husband, Brian, has from previous relationships. Sue is saying goodbye to Coronation Street as she now wants to 'embrace change'. Speaking about her time on the cobbles, Sue said: 'I've had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.' Sue Devaney as Debbie Webster Fans have been left distraught at news of Debbie's upcoming departure, with the character being written out as part of a storyline focusing on dementia. A source told Metro: 'It's one of the show's biggest storylines of the year, and a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight – it will just be devastating for fans that it will effectively be her final storyline. 'It's one of many major storylines new boss Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house. 'There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie's exit one to remember for years.' Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw Loose Women and I'm A Celebrity star Sue has been central to the show for two and a half decades but now she will be saying goodbye. She confirmed: 'I've had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.' 'The door is still firmly open, but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures, and live fearlessly.' Colson Smith as Craig Tinker After 14 years, Corrie has decided to also write out police officer Craig, with the actor sharing his love for the show on social media following the decision, delivered to him last year. He said: 'I've loved every single second of my 14-year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. 'I've learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I'm excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. For me, this is just the end of the beginning. 'I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!' Charlotte Jordan as Daisy Midgeley After a very busy four years on the show, Daisy is set to leave as part of a currently to-secret explosive storyline, with Charlotte keen to try other projects. She said in a statement: 'My time at Coronation Street is something I'll always cherish. 'After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it's time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities. 'It's been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.' Shelley King as Yasmeen Metcalfe After 10 years, Yasmeen will be departing the cobbles - and she has already filmed her final scenes in December, so expect her last episode soon. Metro understands that she won't be killed off. A show insider has clarified: 'Shelley spoke to producers early last year and advised that after 10 years on the show and being involved in many major storylines during the past decade she had decided the time has come for her to explore other opportunities. 'Shelley is an accomplished stage and television actress and we fully understand her desire to take her career in another direction after 10 years playing the same role. 'She filmed her final scenes in December.' Paddy Bever as Max Turner With Paddy having filmed his final scenes, it is expected he will leave in spring. 'After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street , to explore new opportunities. I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way, Paddy, 22, said in a statement. Talking to The Mirror, he added: 'It's been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show. This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.' 'The door is still firmly open, but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures, and live fearlessly,' Sue added. More Trending It is understood that she made the decision in the summer, after her appearance in the Sister Act musical tour. She returned to the stage for the first time in about three decades. Sue's final scenes as Eileen will air in tonight's (June 6) episode of the ITV soap, which is available to watch on ITVX right now. Eileen's final storyline has seen her deal with the death of her sister Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh) and recently, she was surprised with the return of her son Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas). This article was originally published in November 2022. View More » MORE: 'Really upsetting' ITV axe will devastate show that's been on for 26 years MORE: Coronation Street star Gareth Pierce 'so sad' as he addresses exit of legendary show icon MORE: EastEnders confirms end of an era as huge change is confirmed
Scotsman
a day ago
- Scotsman
Who is on Celebrity Gogglebox tonight? Full series 7 cast
Celebrity Gogglebox's cast for series 7 has been confirmed 📺 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Celebrity Gogglebox is back for a brand new series. Channel 4 has confirmed the stars who will appear. But who is in the cast and why do you know them? Celebrity Gogglebox is kicking-off a brand new series and Channel 4 has really rolled out the red carpet. The line-up for the latest episodes includes plenty of very familiar faces. First launched back in 2019, it is a spin-off of the beloved reality show. Over the years it has had plenty of famous alumni including the likes of Danny and Dani Dyer, Noel Gallagher, Mel B and more. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But who is in the cast of Celebrity Gogglebox for 2025? Here's all you need to know: What time is Celebrity Gogglebox on TV today? Here's when the new series of Celebrity Gogglebox will air. The seventh series of the all-star reality TV spin-off is set to begin on Channel 4 today (June 6). It is due to start at 9pm sharp and the episode will run for approximately an hour, finishing at 10pm. The preview, via Radio Times, reads: 'Some of Britain's best-known personalities turn their hand to being the country's most opinionated viewers, sharing their opinions on what they have been watching during the week.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How to watch Celebrity Gogglebox? Channel 4 has been the home of Gogglebox and its celebrity spin-off since the franchise's inception. It will be broadcasting the latest episodes starting tonight - and continuing weekly. Celebrity Gogglebox will be live on TV and will also be broadcast on Channel 4's on demand service by the same name (formerly known as All4 and 4OD). If you can't watch it live, it will be available on catch-up via the platform afterwards. Who is in the cast of Celebrity Gogglebox series 7? Channel 4 has had many celebrities take part in the show over the years - since it debuted back in 2019. The line-up for the latest season has been confirmed and it includes: James and Clair Buckley Jess Glynne and Alex Scott Rylan Clark and Linda Shaun Ryder and Bez Ellie Simmonds and Richie Anderson Nick Grimshaw and Liv Babatunde Aleshe and Mo Gilligan Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely George and Larry Lamb Inbetweeners legend James Buckley and his wife Clair have joined the cast of Celebrity Gogglebox for the latest series. James is best known for playing Jay in the hit E4 sitcom, but has had other notable roles like playing young Del Boy in Rock & Chips. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad James and Clair have invited fans into their lives with At Home With The Buckleys - which started out on YouTube and has become a book at more. They have two sons together. Pop star Jess Glynne and her partner retired England women's legend Alex Scott will also be taking part in the latest season. Glynne is known for providing her voice to hit tracks like Rather Be. Alex Scott played for both Arsenal and the Lionesses during her professional football career - and has become a familiar face in football media after retirement. She has presented Football Focus since 2021 and co-hosted the recent Sports Personality of the Year awards. X-Factor and Big Brother icon Rylan Clark will be back with his mum Linda for another season of Celebrity Gogglebox. The two have been part of the show since 2019 - and Rylan is fresh off a cameo in the latest season of Doctor Who. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Happy Monday's rockers Shaun Ryder and Bez are back for another season of Celebrity Gogglebox. They have been fan favourites since joining the cast. Paralympic legend Ellie Simmonds and her close friend Richie Anderson are back for another season of Celebrity Gogglebox. They were both part of the cast for Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. Riche is a presenter on Radio 2 and recently was a commentator for the semi-finals of Eurovision 2025. Ellie is retired from swimming and has embarked on a media career - fronting her own documentary Ellie Simmonds: Should I Have Children in recent weeks. Another familiar voice from the radio will be back with BBC Radio 1's Nick Grimshaw and his niece Liv returning for another season of Celebrity Gogglebox. They have been part of the cast since 2019. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Comedy duo Babatunde Aleshe and Mo Gilligan are back for another season of Celebrity Gogglebox. Babatunde has appeared on I'm a Celebrity and Taskmaster in recent years, while Mo has been a judge on The Masked Singer since 2020 and co-hosts The Big Narstie Show on Channel 4. Diversity stars Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely are another of the returning pairs for the new season. They shot to fame after winning Britain's Got Talent's third season in 2009. After winning the ITV show, Perri has been a runner up on Dancing on Ice and also was in the cast of Celebs Go Dating. Jordan appeared on I'm a Celebrity in 2016 and was Viper on The Masked Dancer in 2021. Perri and Jordan also co-host KISS Breakfast on the radio. They took over in 2020. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gavin and Stacey's own Mick Shipman - actor Larry Lamb - is appearing on Celebrity Gogglebox. He will be joined by his son George Lamb - who previously presented The Bank Job on Channel 4. Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at . It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
