Katie confirmed during her confessional that there was a preexisting connection between the two of them, which is reminiscent of Blake also having sent DMs to Clare before he began filming her season. Additionally, Katie expressed she was having trouble figuring out what to do, given that she knew the other guys would be unhappy to see Blake show up, not to mention this would be the third Bachelorette who Blake has wooed.
“I’m, like, so flustered right now,” Katie told the camera. “I, obviously, have seen Blake on Tayshia’s season. In fact, Blake and I have talked through the DMs. Blake reached out to commend me for my bold personality. And, I mean, he’s a very handsome guy.”
Ultimately, she told Blake she would let him know at a later time whether he’d be allowed to participate in the season. But after disposing of Thomas, the star told the camera about Blake, “My gut’s telling me, ‘Explore this,’ and I have to follow my heart.”