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The Bachelor: Who Got Matt James's First Impression Rose?

We're Already Seeing Real Sparks Between Matt James and His First Impression Rose Pick, Abigail

THE BACHELOR - 2501  Matt James, the charismatic and engageing star of ABCs hit romance reality series The Bachelor, will hand out the roses for its momentous 25th season. After meeting Matt as a prospective suitor for The Bachelorette, Bachelor Nation swooned when they learned he would take on the role as the lead of his own love story. Matt is the total package with strong family values, a great career, and has used his growing platform for good. His emerging legion of fans cant wait to follow the 28-year-old real estate broker, entrepreneur and community organisation founder on his journey to find love during this historic season. Although Matt hasnt been in love before, he feels he is ready now to welcome it into his lifeno matter what challenges he will faceas he starts his search for his happily ever after on the season premiere of The Bachelor, MONDAY, JAN. 4 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC/Craig Sjodin)ABIGAIL, MATT JAMES

Matt James started his adventures on The Bachelor and it's fair to say it started off with some great vibes. (Thanks for inspiring a season full of jokes, Katie!) While the 29-year-old philanthropist had a record number of women vying for his affection during Monday night's premiere, there was only one who could earn the honour of snagging his first impression rose. The highly coveted place of honour — or curse, depending on who you're asking — went to Abigail Heringer on Jan. 4, and her connection with Matt was undeniable from the start.

When the client financial manager made her introductions in front of the mansion, she joked to Matt that she wouldn't just be looking at his lips a lot because he's dead-sexy, but because she would need to read his lips a bit. She revealed that she was born deaf and wears a cochlear implant. Matt promised to annunciate for her and, when the two got a chance for some one-on-one time inside, confessed that he was taken by how open and honest she was with him.

Abigail opened up further, sharing that her older sister is also deaf, and her candidness about it inspired Abigail to follow in her footsteps. It's an attitude that Matt makes clear he finds attractive, noting that, "Once I heard your name, I went blank . . . I was just staring into your eyes." The two shared the first real kiss of the season — no offence to that Lady and the Tramp moment — and Matt gave Abigail the first impression rose, praising her for her vulnerability.

"You were everything I'm asking of these women tonight," he told her. "Knowing you're a fighter, I thought it was only appropriate that I ask you something. Abigail, would you accept this rose?" Obviously, she said yes, admitting in her confessional that Matt seeing the potential in her and their relationship makes her incredibly excited.

It's just the start of their journey, but we're already smitten with Abigail and her relationship with Matt! We'll have to see if this is the first impression rose to finally lead to an engagement.

Image Source: ABC
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