SEASON PREMIERE

BRITISH HEARTTHROB MATT GRANT � THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL BACHELOR � BEGINS THE SEARCH FOR HIS TRUE AMERICAN LOVE, WHEN "THE BACHELOR" PREMIERES, MONDAY, MARCH 17, ON ABC

The 12th Edition of ABC's Popular Romance Reality Series Begins With 25 Gorgeous Bachelorettes Pulling Out All the Stops to Impress the Handsome Bachelor

Matt Grant, 27, a handsome global financier from London is out to prove that love has no borders when he steps into his role as the first-ever international Bachelor, searching for an American woman who can be the love of his life and start a family with him. Matt begins his pursuit of his ultimate soul mate when the 12th edition of ABC's popular romance reality series, "The Bachelor," premieres with a 90-minute special, MONDAY, MARCH 17 (9:32-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Editor's note: Beginning Monday, March 24, the program moves to it's regular one-hour run time from 10:00-11:00 p.m., ET.

Matt, the 6'5", blue-eyed business development manager who works with millionaire businessmen and is crazy about American women, wowed the 25 bachelorettes hoping to be the love of his life. This totally charming English gentleman has something on his mind that is more urgent than any business deal � he wants to find the love of his life and to start a family as soon as possible. The youngest of five brothers, the rest of whom are married, Matt is very close to his parents and siblings. His parents are still best friends and have a sexy relationship, even after 30 years together.

The native of Bishop Stortford, a short distance from London, Matt received his B.A. in modern history and politics from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. His fondest dream is to share stories and a laugh at the end of the day with someone special, and his sexy good looks, intelligence and strong family ties make him a perfect catch.

In this season's premiere, "Episode 1201," Matt moves into his Malibu bachelor pad and prepares for the night of his life -- a fabulous party with 25 beautiful American bachelorettes. As the women arrive and discover that Matt is British, they are knocked off their feet by his handsome good looks, his sexy accent and his British sense of humor.

With a "first impression rose" on the table, the women vie for Matt's attention. One woman models a beautiful sari-inspired dress that she made by hand while another sexy lady in red challenges him to an impressive arm wrestling match. Then, a stunning mysterious blonde welcomes our Bachelor to Hollywood, explaining to him that she is an actress with a famous father and grandparents.

As the moment of decision approaches, the American bachelorettes pull Matt in different directions, trying their best to impress him. One woman sings Matt a song she wrote especially for him, while another woman performs a classical selection on her clarinet. One dramatic lady demonstrates her ability to bite a tin can in half. And in the most shocking moment of the evening, one out-of-control bachelorette takes off her panties and slips them into Matt's pocket.

The pressure mounts as the evening goes on, and sparks fly between the bachelorettes as Matt finally gives out the "first impression" rose. But by the end of the party, Matt feels certain that his future wife is among this group of American women. However, before the evening ends, he must eliminate ten of the 25 women the first night, leaving 15 to compete for his affections and, in the end, his heart.

A list of the bachelorettes will be released shortly.

Romantic and adventurous dates will reach new heights this season, as some of the women are taken to a sexy fashion show only to be surprised to find out they are the models. Las Vegas is the backdrop for a glittering evening of gambling and partying in a fabulous suite at the Paris Las Vegas hotel. One woman is treated to a private Hollywood movie screening of Columbia Pictures' "Made of Honor," starring Patrick Dempsey, at the legendary Mann's Chinese Theater, as the couple gets the "red carpet" treatment by the paparazzi. A sexy game of rugby � Matt's favorite English sport � a fun afternoon of tennis and English tea, a classic 50s Americana date, a home-cooked meal by the Bachelor himself and a glamorous group date on the snowy slopes of Sun Valley, Idaho, will test the ladies' perseverance in pursuing their romantic objective, along with fun, exciting and exotic dates that will elicit real and raw passions.

As in the past, women will continue to be eliminated each week, but if at any point along the way a woman should decide that she's no longer interested in the Bachelor, she can reject his invitation to continue dating. Some lucky women will meet his family, and he will visit their hometowns for a slice of their life in an effort to determine the woman with whom he is most compatible.

At the end of the journey, the Bachelor may quite possibly have found true love. But the big question is: After all of this, will he pop the question, and will she say yes?

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "The Bachelor" is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss, David Bohnert and Martin Hilton are the executive producers.

This episode of "The Bachelor" will be available on ABC.com the day after airing on the network for users to watch online.

"The Bachelor" is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.