Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell split: What went wrong? (without)

As bachelor nation awaits Rachael Kirkconnell break her silence about her split from Matt Jamesstates the source My Weekly an exclusive look at their relationship.

“The breakup may seem sudden, but it’s been brewing for a while. It took a long time,” says the source. “Matt just couldn’t commit to her.

James, 33, and Kirkconnell, 28, met on season 25 Bachelor, decide to date after the performance instead of the engagement. While they briefly separated as the show aired, they were back together in the spring of 2021. James announced on Thursday, January 16 that they had called it quits.

According to a source, the duo was struggling with trust issues. “It was hard for Rachael to trust him,” says the source Our.

Still, “Rachael really wanted to get married and settle down and they weren’t on the same page,” the source continues. “She felt like she was waiting and he would never give her what she wanted.

While “they’re both very upset” about the split, according to the source, Kirkconnell is “ready to move on” and knows “it’s for the best.”

During their four-year relationship, James and Kirkconnell were often asked about plans to take the next step. Just weeks before the split, Kirkconnell interacted with fans via Instagram asking about the proposal, joking that she would pop the question to James “next Thursday”. Last June, James said Our that he intended to marry Kirkconnell.

“We’re having a great time. I feel like when you feel pressure is when you don’t want to do something,” he said Our at that time. “So I never felt pressure (to get engaged) because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.” It’s something we’ll do at some point. That’s why we’re together and what we’re working on. I’m excited about our future.”

The two have also been very active on social media over the years, with James posting videos of their recent trip to London as recently as Wednesday, January 15. As a result, his breakup announcement shocked many fans. (Our pointed out that James often posts his travel content late, so it’s likely the pair are no longer abroad together, but they haven’t confirmed when their trip took place.)

“Father God, give Rachael and I the strength to mend our broken hearts,” James wrote Thursday. “Give us peace about this decision to end our relationship that is beyond worldly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our joy comes from you, Lord 💔.”

While some fans questioned the religious tone of the post, James has been open about his faith in the past, even opening his Bachelor journey with a prayer. Kirkconnell is tagged in the statement — which was written alongside a photo from their season of the ABC show — but did not share the post. She later “liked” a comment on her own page that hinted at James or his breakup the announcement blindsided her. Our she understands that she was surprised by the post and not by the breakup itself.

“The more I think about it, the more I think he completely blindsided her with it,” the comment read. “Give her some grace and let her respond when the time comes.

My Weekly has reached out to James and Kirkconnell for comment.