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The Bachelor couple Clayton Echard and Susie Evans are heading for splitsville. The reality stars announced their separation in a joint Instagram post on September 23.
The former couple has called it quits just six months after revealing they were dating during the finale of The Bachelor season 26. The news of their split attracted a mixed reaction from fans as some were not surprised with their decision, while some thought it was a calculated move.
Fans react to The Bachelor couple Clayton Echard and Susie Evans' split
Fans were divided after Clayton Echard and Susie Evans recently announced their separation. Many fans took to Twitter to express their opinions about the couple and their relationship.
The Bachelor couple Clayton Echard and Susie Evans' relationship timeline
The Bachelor couple Clayton Echard and Susie Evans had a rocky start during the reality show. Susie left the show after Clayton admitted to being in love and getting intimate with two other finalists on the show - Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia.
The revelation shocked the ladies, but Susie was heartbroken as she loved Clayton. The former footballer then sent Susie home on the March 8, 2022, episode of The Bachelor during their fantasy suite date, saying that she did not want to "fight" for their love. At the time, Susie said:
“In knowing that there’s an engagement literally in a week, and there are things I can’t compromise. If I’m sharing your love with somebody else, I don’t think I would be comfortable [saying yes].”
In his defense, Clayton said:
“I was having feelings of love with [them] and so I slept with this person because I wanted to see how the psychical connection is. If you were in love with somebody, you would just explore that.”
Clayton, however, had lingering feelings for Susie even after she left the show. He later tried to reconcile their relationship after The Bachelor wrapped. Clayton "didn't think it was gonna happen," especially after the way their relationship ended. During the After the Final Rose special, Susie revealed:
“We took time apart after the show and we reset. We're really happy, and we're happy to be here today."
Days after confirming their relationship on the show, the former couple moved together to Virginia Beach, Virginia. They posted loved-up pictures on their respective Instagrams, giving fans a glimpse of their love.
However, after a few months, the couple decided to try a long-distance relationship to "chase" their dreams. Speaking about their future together, Clayton told Dear Media's Not Skinny but Not Fat podcast host Amanda Hirsch:
“I mean, I’m working on my computer 10, 12 hours a day. So she was like, Clayton, I’ll move to L.A. and then we can travel on the weekends to see each other. And we’ll see. We don’t know if we’re going to like that long-distance.”
Further adding:
“We’re like, We don’t know if it’s going to be a month-long [relationship] from here or if it’s gonna be lifetime but, like, there’s no pressure. Let’s just love each other and be thankful."
Clayton and Susie have parted ways as "external forces" took a toll on their relationship. The former couple is now "focused on continuing to work" on themselves.
