Bachelor in Paradise just got a serious upgrade—and a whole lot more complicated. During the August 4 episode, host Jesse Palmer revealed a game-changing twist that introduced a new $500,000 prize, shifted the show’s format completely, and sent one beloved couple packing.
With the drama heating up in Costa Rica, emotions are running high as love is now being tested under serious pressure—and for a life-changing reward.
A Major Shake-Up in Paradise
As the sixth week of Bachelor in Paradise began, the cast was caught off guard by Jesse Palmer’s surprise visit. “Everything is going to change,” he warned. And he meant it. In a bold new twist, Jesse explained that not only would there be no more new contestants arriving, but couples would now be tested in a series of “relationship challenges.”
At the end of it all, the strongest and most committed couple would walk away with not just each other—but also up to $500,000. For a show known for romantic connections and dramatic exits, this was an entirely new level of competition.
Jesse compared the new format to the show’s older spin-off, Bachelor Pad, but with much higher emotional—and financial—stakes.
The Contestants React
As the news sank in, reactions across the beach were mixed. Some were thrilled at the chance to prove their bond and win big. Others were immediately skeptical about how the money might change people’s behavior.
Contestant Lea Cayanan admitted that the twist made her reassess her relationship: “There’s a lot on the line now.”
Allyshia Gupta echoed the concern: “More tension, higher stakes. I think it could corrupt some of the relationships.”
Meanwhile, Golden Bachelor alum Gary Levingston was open about his discomfort: “When money is involved, people do stupid things.”
A High-Stakes Relationship Test
The next challenge tested how well couples knew each other. Partners answered personal questions and placed bets based on how confident they were in matching answers. It wasn’t just for bragging rights—winners would earn a romantic date and a serious power move at the rose ceremony.
Bailey Brown and Jeremy Simon won the challenge and secured a date together. But Bailey also received the power to choose which woman wouldn’t be giving out a rose that week—effectively deciding which couple would be sent home.
A Tearful Exit for Fan Favorites
After much thought, Bailey made a tough call, eliminating Leslie Fhima and Gary Levingston, a pair many fans had been rooting for. In a heartfelt goodbye, Bailey broke down as she told Leslie, “You’ve been so important to my journey here at paradise… I really hope that you and Gary find each other after this.”
Despite their early exit, Leslie and Gary left hand-in-hand and confirmed that their connection was real—and far from over. “Even though I’m sad, I think we show the young people that when you get older, you don’t have to stop having fun,” Leslie said. Gary added, “We’ll continue to move forward with our journey, just in a different way.”
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
With no more new arrivals and $500,000 on the table, every moment in paradise now counts more than ever. The focus has shifted from forming new relationships to truly strengthening the ones that already exist. But with cash in play, trust will be tested like never before.
As Jesse Palmer put it, “Paradise is about finding love… but this year, we’re raising the stakes.” This twist is sure to keep fans glued to their screens in the coming weeks.
New episodes of Bachelor in Paradise air Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
The latest twist in Bachelor in Paradise has completely turned the show on its head. With a half-a-million-dollar prize and no more new arrivals, contestants must now prove that their love is real under growing pressure. While some are rising to the occasion, others are starting to crumble under the weight of the competition.
For fan-favorite couple Leslie and Gary, it’s the end of their paradise journey—but possibly the beginning of something real back home. As for the rest, the race to love—and money—is just getting started.
