The rough side of reality. After back-to-back-to-back seasons on three smash ABC reality shows, Bachelor Chris Soules and his pro dancing partner Witney Carson were eliminated on the Tuesday, May 5 live broadcast of Dancing With the Stars.
The Iowa farmer, 33, spoke to Us Weekly and other reporters backstage about the judges’ decision after processing that he was headed back to the family business.
“It was clear at the end there, I was really disappointed,” Soules, who got teary-eyed when he learned of his elimination on the show, told Us. “But you know, life goes on. We didn’t make it to the end, so I’m a little disappointed.” (Along with Soules, Shark Tank entrepreneur Robert Herjavec and his “kym-plicated” partner Kym Johnson were also booted on Tuesday night.)
His fiancee Whitney Bischoff was noticeably absent from the crowd on Tuesday, but Soules previously told Us that the fertility nurse had a good reason. “She’s with family, it’s actually the anniversary of her mom’s death,” he told Us of his love, whose mother died 10 years ago from a blood clot.
“She was definitely bummed that this was the final dance, and she wasn’t able to be here,” Soules told Us on Tuesday night. “But she was doing things for herself and she was with her family where she should be.”
The silver lining to all this? “I’ll be able to get back to normal, and get back to work, and that has been in the back of my mind,” Soules reflected. “My family needs me back there and we’re in the middle of planting season which is one of the most important times of the year for us. I’m excited to be back there, that’s something I really enjoy. So this is a tough pill to swallow because I was committed to getting to the end of this, but it’s been an unforgettable experience and thankful that I got to be a part of it but looking forward to moving on.”
He also reflected of his future with Bischoff. “Chicago’s a lot closer than L.A. — a short commute to Iowa for her and we’ll definitely both be more comfortable whether it’s in Iowa or Chicago, it’s more home for us,” he told Us. “We’re Midwestern people so I’m excited to have that part of my life start to happen, to start to work on our relationship.”
Luckily, Bischoff’s job allows her to work from anywhere. “The goal is to start building a life in Arlington,” Soules told Us. “I think we’re both looking forward to being out of the spotlight and Arlington’s the best place to do that!”
One thing the season 19 Bachelor wanted to focus on outside of his relationship? “My goal is getting back to doing what I love to do, and that’s farming,” said the reality hunk, who was affectionately dubbed “Prince Farming” during his season. “And the business I have back home, and just be normal for a while. And sleep!”