In a Jan. 16 podcast episode, T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach reacted to the news of their "dear friend" Matt James' split from Rachael Kirkconnell — and reflected on some of the many conversations they'd had with James about his intentions to propose.

Matt James, the 'Bachelor' franchise's first Black male lead, says he and his co-star-turned-girlfriend Rachael Kirkconnell have ended their relationship.

Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Bachelor couple Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell are splitting up. Kirkconnell, 28, won Season 25 of the reality dating show starring James, 33, in 2020.