Matt James' dating history: Who are The Bachelor's ex-girlfriends?

AHEAD of Matt James' season of The Bachelor, fans have taken an interest in the new leading man's dating history.

Although he has mostly kept quiet about his past, Reality Steve has dug up his former flings.

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Matt James is the first black Bachelor in franchise historyCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Who is Matt James?

Matt James is the first black Bachelor in series history.

According to ABC, the North Carolina native "has strong family values, a great career, and over the past few months, he has used his growing platform for good."

Matt will play the leading man in the 25th season of The BachelorCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Matt co-founded ABC Food Tours, a non-profit organization that takes groups of kids from underserved elementary schools to restaurants in their local communities.

He was intended to be a contestant on Clare Crawley's season of The Bachelorette, but coronavirus delays lent time to series producers to learn more about Matt.

Matt was originally supposed to appear on The BacheloretteCredit: Instagram

In a statement, Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment, said: "When filming [Crawley’s season] couldn’t move forward as planned, we were given the benefit of time to get to know Matt and all agreed he would make a perfect Bachelor."

Who are Matt James' ex-girlfriends?

Reality Steve claims that Matt James previously dated one of the Bachelor contestants, Madison Nelson.

"Some tea for you already: Apparently Madison Nelson was dating Matt last summer when Tyler was seeing GiGi," RS tweeted.

Matt has reportedly dated contestant Madison NelsonCredit: Instagram

"Went to one of the fashion shows with him. Here they are together. Heard they were together for at least a couple of months."

Her Facebook page says that Madison is from Indiana.

The pair attended New York Fashion Week shows togetherCredit: Instagram

According to her LinkedIn profile, Madison is currently based in New York City, working for IBM.

Not much is known about serious they were or why the couple decided to split.

This picture of Matt and a mystery woman still exists on his InstagramCredit: Instagram

Matt has kept mum about the rest of his romantic past.

There is a picture of him cozied up to a blonde woman on his Instagram page from years ago, but she isn't tagged, and it was likely a college romance.

What did best friend Tyler C say about Matt James becoming The Bachelor?

Tyler Clark, featured in Hannah Brown's season of The Bachelorette, is best friends with Matt.

The two met playing football together at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

Tyler Clark and Matt are best friendsCredit: Instagram

Since college, the two have remained close, and have even gone into business together.

Tyler took to Instagram to congratulate his best friend on his season.

"Congrats to my brother @mattjames919 on being named the Bachelor," he wrote.

Matt runs his own philanthropic businessCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"This is all a testament of who you are as a person. Now the world gets to see the person you are and the heart you have. You can change the world. Proud of you and so excited for you. Not excited that somebody will be taking my spot as your snuggle buddy," he finished alongside a picture of the two sleeping on each other.