Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes shared their thoughts on Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell‘s split — and used the opportunity to reaffirm their own love for each other.
Hours after news broke on Thursday, January 16, about James, 33, and Kirkconnell’s breakup, Robach, 51, and Holmes, 47, revealed their initial reaction.
“I was heartbroken. We know Matt intimately and he has been a huge source of support for us, individually and as a couple, ever since we went through our situation a few years ago,” Robach said on their “Amy and T.J.” podcast while referring to her and Holmes’ 2022 affair scandal. “He is considered a close friend of ours and we’re always rooting for him.”
Robach showed support for James while mourning the breakup.
Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell’s Bachelor love story was a journey — on and off screen. ABC named Matt the season 25 lead in June 2020, subsequently revealing that the series received a record number of submissions for contestants. Among the 38 women who had the opportunity to meet Matt was Rachael, a graphic designer […]
“If that means him going his separate ways, then obviously we support that,” she continued. “But it’s still sad to see a couple that we were rooting for and that I think America was rooting for. So I’ve felt sad. And his post definitely shows that he’s sad, too.”
James broke the news on Thursday that he and Kirkconnell, 28, parted ways, writing via Instagram, “Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts,” he captioned the Thursday Instagram upload. “Give us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our Joy comes from you, Lord 💔.”
Kirkconnell has yet to address the news. Holmes, meanwhile, defended James and Kirkconnell‘s sweet social media posts, which they shared weeks ahead of their split.
“You never ever, ever, ever know what’s going on behind the scenes. I can tell you they weren’t just putting it on for the public. We can confirm that for 100 percent,” Holmes noted. “We’re not going to speculate on the reasons [for their breakup].”
Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell. Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Robach agreed that James is “authentic,” adding, “He is not putting on a show for Instagram followers or to make things seem better than they are. So I believe that if six weeks ago they were both speaking as if they were looking forward to the future and excited about their lives together then that was the case six weeks ago.”
Former GMA3 cohosts Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes’ reported romance made headlines in November 2022 when the TV personalities — both married to other people — were photographed getting cozy on various outings throughout the month. The pictures, first published by the Daily Mail, showed the pair holding hands in a car, laughing at a […]
She continued: “In October [2024], they were on a podcast and they were talking publicly and candidly about getting engaged. Because if you follow them on Instagram, you know that they’re in that time or that phase in their life where everyone’s getting married.”
Later in the episode, Holmes offered insight into the conversations he had with James about his relationship.
“But I can say that stuff he’s putting out publicly is also what he was saying privately. I have been talking plenty with him about marriage, the future, Rachel and where they were going,” he noted. “So it was in line publicly and privately with the things he was saying.”
Holmes subsequently made it clear that he and Robach were still on track.
“It’s going to be a lot of headlines out there in the coming days as well. So my love, Amy Robach, let me declare here publicly that I love you and we are still going strong and I still want to marry you,” he quipped. “So the headlines next week about us will come as a shock to people. No, I love you too and I want to marry you.”
