‘The Bachelorette’: 3 Clues Michael Allio Is Leaving Katie Thurston’s Season Early

The Bachelorette fans fell in love with Michael Allio the moment he had his first one-on-one with Katie Thurston in week 3. But some viewers have been wondering whether the contestant self-eliminates and leaves the show. The ABC reality series has been dropping hints about the single father’s potential exit for some time. So here are all the clues that indicate Michael A. is leaving The Bachelorette earlier than expected.

[Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers from The Bachelorette Season 17 Week 8 and “Men Tell All” episode.]

Michael Allio on potentially leaving Katie Thurston and ‘The Bachelorette’ behind

Michael Allio (Michael A.) from ‘The Bachelorette’ | Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images

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It’s possible The Bachelorette Season 17 team foreshadowed Michael A’s potential departure from the very beginning. In the June 22 episode of the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, the contestant shared that he would’ve been OK with leaving if he didn’t feel an initial spark with Katie.

“I remember telling myself that if I didn’t feel that initial spark, I really wouldn’t waste time,” Michael A. said. “You can learn to love somebody without that spark. But at the same time, when you do have it, it really changes everything.”

He continued, “I remember telling myself, just because I have a four-year-old at home, I’ve got multiple businesses I operate with employees that kind of depend on me, that if it wasn’t there, then it’s OK. I can leave, I don’t need to waste her time, take away from others.”

That said, Michael A. and Katie did share a spark on The Bachelorette. On the couple’s one-on-one date in week 3, the contestant suggested that he was serious about pursuing a real relationship. However, Michael A. promised he would leave if things changed.

“There’s something really strangely comforting and familiar with you that I feel like could really be something,” Michael A. said. “Otherwise, I promise I’ll leave. I don’t waste your time.”

Michael A. is the one speaking to Katie Thurston in ‘The Bachelorette’ Week 8

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The Bachelorette Season 17 previews have been filled with clues about Katie’s ending. Then more recently, fans have been piecing everything together. In an early season promo, Katie was spotted in a light blue shirt, and she seemingly suggested that one of her contestants sent himself home.

“Our time was cut too short,” Katie said.

Then in the midseason trailer, Michael A. was seen in a gray jacket. The cast member appeared to be struggling after his son, James, suggested that his father didn’t want to see him. 

“My son’s the thing I love the most,” Michael A. said. “It just tore me apart. I just can’t focus on anything else.”

Finally, The Bachelorette Twitter and Instagram confirmed that Michael A. is the one who is speaking to Katie while she’s wearing the light blue shirt in the week 8 episode on July 26. And yes, Michael A. is also sporting that gray jacket. 

Meanwhile, ABC teased what happens during the upcoming conversation on July 26, and it doesn’t exactly look like Katie and Michael A. will continue their relationship into Hometowns.

“One of the men has an emotional realization about his journey to find love, which leads to a heartbreakingly honest conversation with Katie at the resort,” The Bachelorette Week 8 synopsis says.

Michael A. is at ‘The Bachelorette: Men Tell All’

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Now, The Bachelorette team might have been dropping clues and foreshadowing Michael A.’s exit for weeks. But a now-deleted preview for the “Men Tell All” seemingly hints that the contestant will go home in the week 8 episode. 

In the teaser, Connor Brennan sings a song to celebrate the cast’s bromance at the reunion. Katie’s contestants also join in on the song. But then many fans noticed that Michael A. was at The Bachelorette “Men Tell All” special. He can be spotted in the front row on the left.

Of course, Michael A.’s journey isn’t confirmed until it unfolds on The Bachelorette Season 17. But whatever happens, it’s clear that we’re in for an emotional ride. Stay tuned.

The Bachelorette Season 17 airs Monday nights on ABC.