BACHELOR’S Chris Harrison will rake in “about $15 MILLION” in his exit package from the show which will nearly "DOUBLE" his net worth, sources told The Sun.
Just hours after last night’s Bachelorette premiered without its longtime host for the first time in history, it was announced he was permanently done with the show - which Chris later confirmed.
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Chris Harrison scored 'around $15 MILLION' from his Bachelor exit package, sources claimedCredit: Getty
The longtime host of the franchise earned the hefty number after his racism scandalCredit: Getty
According to a production insider, ABC execs were “blindsided” with news breaking about the TV personality’s departure.
The source claimed that it “wasn’t something that was supposed to come out until later this season,” but somehow, word leaked.
“There was a mutual plan to announce it towards the finale and keep it quiet until then.
“But tension has been building between Chris and the show all year. The negotiations have not been friendly.
“Chris asked for a lot and was not backing down at all to get it,” the informant explained.
Chris has been the longtime face of the franchise, hosting Bachelor and all its spinoffsCredit: Getty Images - Getty
The TV personality also helmed the After The Final Rose live specialsCredit: Getty
Chris hosted Bachelor In Paradise, Bachelor Winter: Games and Bachelor Pad spinoffsCredit: Getty
The source admitted that ABC and Chris, 49, most likely landed on a number “around $15 MILLION.”
While his salary has never been officially confirmed, it’s been reported he earned around $8 MILLION per season of the ABC franchise.
The large lump sum will nearly DOUBLE Chris' net worth, which is reported to be around $25 million.
Reps for Chris and ABC did not respond to The Sun's request for comment.
He has been the only host of the entire series since the show first premiered in 2002.
The franchise has had a dark cloud over it since Mat James' season of The BachelorCredit: Getty
Chris first began hosting The Bachelor when it premiered back in 2002Credit: Getty
However, fans have wanted Chris OUT as host due to his 'racist' commentsCredit: Getty
In the two decades he’s been the face of Bachelor Nation, he’s gone on to host spinoffs The Bachelorette, Bachelor In Paradise, Bachelor Pad, and Bachelor: Winter Games.
The series has had a dark cloud over it since last year during season 25, led by Bachelor Matt James.
It all kicked off after Georgia contestant Rachael Kirkconnell was discovered to have attended an Antebellum plantation-themed party in 2018 which Chris later defended.
Fans were outraged he did not “denounce racism” and when he later apologized, people called him "insincere".
The news of his departure has been expected by many viewers but officially confirmed on Tuesday by Chris himself.
Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams took over as hosts of The BacheloretteCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Fans called Tayshia and Katilyn's spin on hosting duties 'fun and refreshing'Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Shortly after Katie Thurston’s Bachelorette premiere last night, Chris confirmed on Instagram that he was leaving his spot as the host of the franchise for good.
Along with a picture of him hosting a reunion show, he wrote: "I’ve had a truly incredible run as host of The Bachelor franchise and now I’m excited to start a new chapter.
"I’m so grateful to Bachelor Nation for all of the memories we’ve made together.
"While my two-decade journey is wrapping up, the friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime.”
Last night, Katie Thurston's season of The Bachelorette premieredCredit: ABC
The newest lead was thrilled when she was greeted by hosts Tayshia and KaitlynCredit: ABC
Chris officially calling it quits comes as fans praised Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe as "the best hosts ever."
“I couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect. I mean Kaitlyn and Tayshia? The dream team is here,” the Bachelorette said with a huge smile after meeting her new gal pals.
The dynamic between Tayshia and Kaitlyn – as well as their bond with Katie – was described as “fun and refreshing” by many viewers.
“The kaitlyn tayshia and katie dynamic is going to be soooo much better than chris harrison or any other guy,” one fan said.
Katie Thurston was praised for being a 'strong' Bachelorette on last night's premiereCredit: Getty Images - Getty
