From Katie Thurston's very first appearance on the 25th season of The Bachelor starring Matt James, we knew she would be a contestant to watch. Bringing her very own sparkly purple vibrator for her first impression and poking fellow castmate Mari Pepin on the arm with it when her time talking to James was up, Thurston has made it clear from day one that she is sex-positive, outgoing, and hilarious to boot. We can't get over her history-making first-episode antics, her willingness to take on "Queen" Victoria Larson for her attitude, and her emotional breakthroughs with contestants like Sarah Trott. Authenticity seems to be the name of the game for Thurston, and we are so into it! Ready to find out more? Scroll through for nine facts about this Bachelor contestant who's quickly becoming a fan fave.
The Bachelor: Who Is Katie Thurston?
9 Facts About Fan-Favourite Bachelor Contestant Katie Thurston
Although Katie clearly loves to laugh and have fun, and doesn't take herself too seriously (yep, got that from the first episode!), she is actually a successful bank marketing manager. Based in Renton, Washington, the Bachelor contestant is career-focussed, but is now looking for other kinds of fulfilment, too. She recently posted on Instagram: "I followed 'the rules' of life. Get the career. Save the money. Start that 401k. Buy the house. And for what?" she continued, "I will passionately pursue a fulfiled life and refuse to let this next decade pass by without purpose."
Katie regularly features her cat Tommy on her Instagram, and we're absolutely obsessed with how cute he is. Posing with her kitty and referring to him as "the absolute love of [her] life," it's obvious just how much Tommy means to her. But she loves dogs too — she recently told ABC that she hosted a dog flash mob that got "a huge turnout." We'd like an invite next time!
Katie showed her passion for sex-positivity by bringing the vibrator on the first episode of the show, and regularly speaks out about what she believes is right on her social media channels. She spoke to the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast about her first now-infamous move, saying, "I knew it could very well send me home night one. I would have no regrets because it really summarizes who I am as a person, my sense of humour, my confidence, my sexual empowerment for females. I didn't know what to expect when I did my little stunt. But, he laughed. And I just felt like this huge weight lifted off of me after that."
Katie told ABC that she "knows exactly what she wants in a man and is done wasting her time on boys who won't live up to her expectations." It is clear that Katie is ready for love and all that it entails, and that she's on the show for the right reasons — falling in love with Matt. And loyalty is second nature to her: she says she is "the most loving and committed partner anyone could ask for" when that person is worth committing to.
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Although Katie's personality is as unique as they come, standing up in the face of drama (AKA Queen Victoria) and putting her most authentic self forward, many people keep comparing her looks to past Bachelor contestants. As more and more people draw comparisons between Katie and Kristina Schulman from season 21, and Rebecca Kufrin from season 22, we can't help but think they kind of have a point!
It's no secret Katie loves a good laugh, so although she's serious about finding the love of her life, she "needs a man who can laugh along with her" and even laugh at her too "when the moment calls for it." But all humour aside, the Bachelor fan-fave is looking for a mature man with ambition to succeed in everything he does, whether in regard to his professional or personal goals. Her dream man? Katie says he must be "passionate about building a long-term life with her" and treat her "as his equal in the relationship." Last thing? Her biggest turn off is a guy who sits around all day playing video games, although kissing her at the wrong moment is pretty terrible, too. For Katie, it's all about the right vibe.
Although it's not necessarily something she looks for in a man, Katie proudly refers to herself as "daring and adventurous." So it's no surprise that her idea of a magical date is going skinny-dipping — Matt better watch out if they get near any lakes!
Apart from her successful career and big personality, the Bachelor favourite is a witty storyteller, too. She regularly posts hilarious videos on Instagram that talk about dating, answer sex questions, and offer all kinds of advice. In fact, Katie told ABC that she "would love to host her own talk show one day."
Just adding to Katie's talents and hobbies, she's actually really good at volleyball, too. She's posted about her love of the sport before, particularly "peppering," or a two-player warm-up drill, and we're just wondering if she'll be able to show off her serves and spikes on The Bachelor this season.