Michael Neely and Ashley Joyce got engaged on Monday's episode of The Proposal. Neely, the mystery man and former contestant, ultimately popped the question to Joyce, his final pick. Joyce, 27, is a kickboxing instructor from Sacramento, California.
For those unfamiliar, The Proposal is a weekly hour-long show hosted by former NFL quarterback and Season 5 Bachelor Jesse Palmer. Every episode features 10 new eligible singles who compete in four pageant-style rounds to win the affections of a mystery suitor whose identity is kept a secret from them until the very end.
While Joyce accepted Neely's proposal on Monday's episode, social media accounts for The Proposal state that the two are no longer engaged.
"Michael and Ashley have loved getting to know each other, but have ultimately decided they are better off as friends," the show's official Twitter account stated on Tuesday. "We wish them all the best!"
Michael and Ashley have loved getting to know each other, but have ultimately decided they are better off as friends. We wish them all the best! #TheProposal pic.twitter.com/01XVZqDkdo
— The Proposal (@TheProposalTV) August 21, 2018
Joyce was one of 10 women to compete for Neely's affection. The four rounds include swimwear and "deal breaker" questions and the episodes are filmed months in advance, though the contestants only have an hour to get to know each other before someone pops the question.
Many couples post-Proposal have opted to be friends instead of remain engaged just like Joyce and Neely. Some, however, are still together. Mike Crowe, a police officer from California, and Monica Villalobos appeared on the show in June and remain on course to be wed.
The Proposal has new episodes on Monday nights on ABC and premiered for the first time in June. The new reality dating series pulled an episode in June after a woman, Erica Meshke, made a sexual assault allegation against a contestant.
"While the accusation was not related to the contestant's appearance on the program, we take it very seriously," ABC and Warner Horizon said in a joint statement issued to Newsweek at the time. "ABC and the producers of The Proposal are pulling the episode while this matter is under review."
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