Reality show The Bachelor‘s host Chris Harrison will be missing the show’s next season. This marks the first time that Harrison will not host the show ever since it started in 2002. The latest development comes after Harrison said in February that he would be “stepping aside for a period of time” from the show. 

Harrison’s announcement came after he had controversially defended current “Bachelor” contestant Rachael Kirkconnell’s past racially insensitive behavior, reported USA Today.

While Harrison has assured viewers that he is not stepping aside permanently, it is still unclear till how long will he be out of the show. According to the show’s producers, former “Bachelorette” stars Tayshia Adams (Season 16) and Kaitlyn Bristowe (Season 11), who will “support the new Bachelorette through next season.”

A statement from the producers to USA Today said, “”Chris Harrison will not be hosting the next season of ‘The Bachelorette. We support Chris in the work that he is committed to doing.”

Harrison was criticised after he defended  Kirkconnell from the “woke police” during a February 9 interview. Kirkconnell, who is a current finalist, is facing backlash for liking Confederate flag-related TikToks.