Ilona Maher Opens Up About Possibly Becoming The Next ‘Bachelorette’

Ilona Maherthe Olympic rugby star celebrated for her wit and charisma both on the field and online, has recently hinted at an interest in exploring reality television.

The 28-year-old, who skyrocketed to fame through his rugby skills and social media presence, is single and seemingly ready to step into the dating scene. After her appearance on “Dancing With the Stars” On Tuesday, October 29, Ilona opened up about her love life and the possibility of searching for romance on national television.

When asked whether she would consider taking on the role of the next lead on “The Bachelorette,” Ilona Maher didn’t hold back.

Could Ilona Maher Be The Next ‘Bachelorette’?

In an interview with “Good Morning America,” she playfully teased the notion, admitting, “That’s what we were thinking!”

Although she expressed some hesitation about stepping into the limelight in such a new way, the Olympian ultimately left the decision up to the fans. “I’ll take that on. “I will do that for America if that’s what you want to see,” she added.

So, what is she looking for in a man if she is cast? She said, “I think someone who is very proud of me, who is kind, who understands my humor, who is ready to eat…”

“You’re listing a lot of things about me,” her dance partner, Alan Berstenadded, to which Ilona jokingly said, “Please stop talking.”

Ilona Maher Is Waiting For Guys To Slide Into Her DMs

While Ilona Maher waits for potential suits to slide into her DMs, she can’t help but gush at the responses she’s getting.

“It’s all very positive moms that are like, ‘I love what you’ve done for my daughter,’ and I’m like, ‘Where’s the NFL players? I thought there’d be more. No billionaires in here?’” she quipped when speaking with People Magazine. Although she hasn’t tried dating apps yet, Ilona isn’t entirely opposed to exploring them in the future.

As for what she’s seeking in a partner, the Olympian values ​​someone who can match her sharp wit. “I recently was told by a man, ‘You flirt by making fun,’” she admits, explaining her love for the back-and-forth of playful banter. “I think it’s also just like I flirt, and then you come back with something, and it’s like a back-and-forth that I really like.”

Above all, she hopes to find a partner confident enough to keep up with her incredible achievements and embrace her ambitious nature. “I’ve never really had someone who’s come to my rugby games,” she said. “Somebody who’s really proud to see me shine and wants me to keep growing — someone who shows me off.”

Advocating For Body Positivity

Last month, the Olympian shared a video on social media with the caption, “Can I be vulnerable for a minute?”

In the clip, she sported a two-piece bathing suit, but admitted, “You know I like to keep it real with you, so I just wanted to let you know I’m not feeling too body confident right now. I think I’m making this video more to help myself out.”

Opening Up About Social Media And Mental Health

Inviting internet scrutiny, as she did with her nationally broadcast tears, is often a risky gamble for mental health. While Ilona is grateful for the doors social media has opened, she remains cautious about her potential toll on her well-being.

“It’s amazing how much love I get online, but then, of course, I always get the negatives,” she admitted to People“I get people making assumptions about me, about my body, about who I am, sometimes just spreading blatant lies about me, and that’s hard.”

Ilona Maher Says She Is Up For Anything After Her Time On ‘DWTS’

When speaking to People MagazineIlona opened up about what the future holds, revealing that she’s up for anything that comes next.

“I hope it means I’m still in this space and I can travel, and I hope my sisters come along with me to do it. I hope there’s still sports in there and maybe some dance, but not too much dance,” she joked.

Maher is also hopeful that love lies somewhere in her future. “I love platonic love. I love the love I have with my teammates, with my friends, my sisters. Romantic love would be great too.”

But for now, “I’m just riding this wave, I guess, and seeing where it takes me.”