‘The Bachelorette’ host Jesse Palmer on striptease date

Each week during The Bachelorette, host Jesse Palmer will answer a few questions about Jenn’s “journey” to find “love.” Today, Jesse shares his thoughts via email about the guys’ risqué strip show, the ongoing Devin drama, and Aaron Erb’s parting bombshell.

Trigger warning from ‘The Bachelorette’.

ABC

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: First thing’s first: You did an excellent job reading the “viewer discretion advised” warning that opened the episode. How many takes did you need to nail it?

 JESSE PALMER: It took me a few takes. Getting the tone right really felt like walking a tightrope.

The men had a variety of reactions when they learned they’d be performing a strip tease with the help of Australia’s Thunder From Down Under. Which of the men surprised you the most with his performance?

I was really impressed with Devin. He was very nervous, but he just went for it and completely embraced being uncomfortable. As a result I think he really impressed Jenn and surprised even himself!

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During that date, Sam N. took the mic from you so he could tell Jenn that he was “falling in love” with her. Describe the mood in the theater when he made that announcement.

You could literally hear the entire audience gasp. Jenn couldn’t believe it. The rest of the men on stage couldn’t believe it. There were a few seconds of silence, because people thought Sam N. was joking.

Conflict continued between Sam M. and Devin this week. Why do you think these guys just can’t stay out of each other’s way?

I think Devin is someone who is very bold; he is always able and willing to engage if he feels provoked.

Finally, Aaron Erb left to pursue his dream of becoming a fighter pilot, but not before warning Jenn that some of the men aren’t ready for an engagement. What do you think about his decision to drop that bomb before he left? 

I thought it was interesting that Aaron dropped that bomb, but he also “left the pin in” by not telling Jenn who he thinks isn’t there for the right reasons. He put Jenn on alert, but now she needs to do some digging to find out who Aaron was referencing.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The Bachelorette airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.