Hometown Week Brings Love and Challenges for Grant Ellis on The Bachelor
Hometown Week has finally arrived on The Bachelor, and Season 29 lead Grant Ellis is ready to dive deeper into the hearts of his four remaining contestants: Juliana Pasquarosa, Zoe McGrady, Litia Garr, and Dina Lupancu. This week, Grant travels across the country to meet the families, friends, and loved ones of these women, seeking clarity as he prepares for Fantasy Suite Week. With his own backstory of not having a close-knit family growing up, Grant is eager to build a family of his own, and this week’s meetings are crucial in his journey to find the right partner. With some guidance from former Bachelor Joey Graziadei, Grant faces tough decisions that will shape the rest of his season.
Juliana Pasquarosa: A Welcoming Family and Italian Vibes
Grant’s first stop is Newton, Massachusetts, where he meets Juliana Pasquarosa and her larger-than-life family. Juliana, known for her vibrant personality, takes Grant on a tour of her Italian heritage-filled hometown, complete with pizza-making, flower bouquets, and a cannoli-eating contest reminiscent of her limo exit. The highlight of the date is meeting Juliana’s massive family, including her parents, sister Dominique, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and even a cousin named Vinny. Despite Juliana’s warning about her protective family, Grant is warmly received, especially by her father, who jokes about their initial meeting but ultimately gives his approval. Grant opens up to Juliana’s mom about their shared life experiences and assures her dad that he sees Juliana as a partner. The date ends on a high note, with Grant confessing he’s falling for Juliana, leaving her ecstatic but also nervous about the upcoming challenges.
Zoe McGrady: Manifesting Love in the Big Apple
Next, Grant heads to New York City to meet Zoe McGrady, who considers the city her true home. Zoe, who has struggled to find her footing in the competition, takes Grant on a modeling shoot with Brides magazine, manifesting a future together through proposal, engagement, and wedding photos. Afterward, they meet Zoe’s sister, aunt, uncle, and close friends, who welcome Grant with open arms. Zoe opens up about her strained relationship with her adoptive parents, who are no longer in her life, but finds comfort in her chosen family. During heartfelt conversations, Grant assures Zoe that her past doesn’t intimidate him and commends her vulnerability. Despite some concerns about the timing of their connection, both feel a strong bond, and Zoe’s loved ones reassure Grant of her strength and supportiveness. The date solidifies Grant’s growing feelings for Zoe, leaving him hopeful about their future.
Litia Garr: A Big Family and Big Feelings in Wyoming
Grant’s journey continues in Star Valley, Wyoming, where he meets Litia Garr and her massive Mormon family. Litia takes Grant horseback riding through the countryside before introducing him to her parents, brothers, and an extensive network of relatives. Despite Litia’s warning that Grant is the first non-Mormon man she’s brought home, her family greets him with warmth and acceptance. During a lively backyard gathering, Litia’s father assures Grant that he’s welcomed into their fold, while Litia and her grandfather share a touching moment about her late grandmother. Litia confesses she’s falling in love with Grant, and he reciprocates, expressing his confidence in her as a future wife and mother. Though Litia has reservations about Fantasy Suites, she pushes aside her fears, and the two end the date on a high note.
Dina Lupancu: A Chosen Family in Chicago
Grant’s final Hometown Date takes him to Chicago, Illinois, where he meets Dina Lupancu. Unlike the other dates, Dina’s traditional family opted out of participating due to their disapproval of the show’s premise. Though visibly upset, Dina focuses on introducing Grant to her chosen family—a close-knit group of friends. The two enjoy a romantic fall-themed date at Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up, complete with games and a corn maze. Later, Grant meets Dina’s friends, who ask him tough questions about his intentions and ability to move past her family’s absence. Grant praises Dina’s strength and partnership qualities, but the weight of her family’s disapproval looms large. While Dina believes she could accept an engagement without their blessing, Grant struggles with the setback, leaving both uncertain about their future together.
The Rose Ceremony: Saying Goodbye to Dina
Back in Los Angeles for the rose ceremony, Grant grapples with his emotions as he reflects on the week’s events. After seeking advice from former Bachelor Joey Graziadei, who emphasizes the importance of trusting his gut, Grant makes the difficult decision to send Dina home. While he acknowledges her incredible qualities and the lessons she’s taught him, Grant feels their connection isn’t strong enough to move forward. Dina, though heartbroken, leaves with gratitude for the experience. Grant offers roses to Juliana, Zoe, and Litia, signaling their advancement to Fantasy Suite Week. As the episode concludes, the stakes are higher than ever, and fans are left eagerly anticipating the dramatic moments ahead in the Dominican Republic.
Looking Ahead: Fantasy Suites and Beyond
With Fantasy Suite Week on the horizon, Grant and his remaining three contestants—Juliana, Zoe, and Litia—are poised for a week of intimacy and deeper connection. The pressure is on as Grant narrows down his search for the perfect partner, and viewers can expect emotional highs and lows as the season progresses. Next week, however, fans will get a chance to hear from the women themselves during the always-dramatic Women Tell All special. As the journey continues, Grant remains focused on finding the love and family he’s always wanted, and Bachelor Nation is along for the ride every step of the way. New episodes of The Bachelor air Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.
