Three Chicago women try to land 'Bachelor' farmer Chris Soules

Three Chicago women try to land ‘Bachelor’ farmer Chris Soules

By Lori Rackl

An all-time high of 30 women — three of them from the Chicago area — will try to rope in Iowa farmer Chris Soules on the 19th edition of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” debuting at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5.

“Prince Farming” got the stiff arm from “Bachelorette” Andi Dorfman but this soft-spoken guy who knew how to drive a tractor before he could drive a car emerged a fan favorite.

Soules, 33, will have to cull the herd of 30 down to 22 by the night’s end.

Ten percent of the bountiful bachelorette crop hails from the Chicago region. One of them is Amanda, 24, a ballet teacher from north suburban Lake in the Hills. Press materials say that she blindfolds Chris right off the bat so she can slip into the party before he sees her. Crafty.

Also in the mix: Amber, a 29-year-old bartender from Chicago.

Rounding out the local contingent is Whitney, 29, a Chicago fertility nurse who coyly explains to Soules that she makes babies for a living.

This season kicks off for the first time with a live premiere event featuring past fan favorites. Viewers will get a glimpse of Soules’ everyday life and and a closer look at some of the bachelorettes vying for his heart. Or at least a rose. Also, Jimmy Kimmel will guest host an episode.

THE CONTESTANTS

Alissa, 24, flight attendant, Hamilton, NJ

Amanda, 24, ballet teacher, Lake in the Hills, IL

Amber, 29, bartender, Chicago, IL

Ashley I., 26, nanny, Wayne, NJ

Ashley S., 24, hair stylist, Brooklyn, NY

Becca, 25, chiropractic assistant, San Diego, CA

Bo, 25, plus-size model, Carpinteria, CA

Britt, 27, waitress, Hollywood, CA

Brittany, 26, WWE diva-in-training, Orlando, FL

Carly, 29, cruise ship singer, Arlington, TX

Jade, 28, cosmetics developer, Los Angeles, CA