‘The Bachelorette’: Do Blake Moynes and Brendan Scanzano Know Each Other?

The moment Blake Moynes joined The Bachelorette Season 17 with Katie Thurston, many Bachelor Nation fans went digging through the returning contestant’s past. But one thing stood out for some viewers. Apparently, Blake is friends with Brendan Scanzano, who is another contestant from Katie’s season. So how do Blake and Brendan know each other outside of The Bachelorette? Here’s what we know so far.

Who are Blake Moynes and Brendan Scanzano from ‘The Bachelorette’ 2021 with Katie Thurston?

In case you need a refresher, Blake dated Clare Crawley and Tayshia Adams in The Bachelorette Season 16. The contestant seemingly formed a connection with both leads. But it didn’t work out in the end. 

Now, the wildlife manager from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada is hoping to spark something new with Katie. Then in the week 5 episode, Blake was invited into the house. 

Meanwhile, Brendan is new to The Bachelor franchise, and he met Katie in the premiere. The contestant is a firefighter trainee, and the 26-year-old is also from Ontario. 

Why fans think Blake Moynes and Brendan Scanzano know each other outside of ‘The Bachelorette’

Long before The Bachelorette Season 17 premiere, Bachelor Nation spoiler king Reality Steve shared details about Katie’s cast. The blogger also claimed Brendan knew Blake before the show.

“Brendan Scanzano is friends with Blake Moynes from Clare/Tayshia’s season,” Reality Steve wrote in March 2021.

Then on July 7, Reality Steve backed his claims, noting that Blake and Brendan were “very good friends” from back home. That said, the friendship wasn’t addressed when Blake joined the show. 

Meanwhile, many Bachelor Nation fans pointed out that Blake and Brendan were both spotted in a photo on Instagram. And from the looks of the picture, the two contestants played hockey together.

Wells Adams confirms Blake Moynes and Brendan Scanzano were friends before ‘The Bachelorette’ 2021

While The Bachelorette team didn’t confirm Blake and Brendan’s friendship right away on TV, it seems Katie’s contestants hashed things out in week 5. Wells Adams, who hosted the group date in the episode, confirmed Blake and Brendan are friends, and the subject came up while he was on set.

“The one thing they haven’t touched on is that Blake and Brendan … knew each other before the show,” Wells told E! News. 

Wells also suggested that there was a bit of drama when Brendan and Blake reunited in The Bachelorette episode. 

“Blake suggested to Brendan to go on the show. And so when he shows up later, he’s like, ‘What’re you doing here? You told me to come here!’” Wells said.

For now, Bachelorette fans will have to wait and see whether the Blake and Brendan drama pops up again. But regardless, it’s interesting the team edited the scene out of week 5. So whatever happens next, we’ll be sure to keep an eye out. Stay tuned.

The Bachelorette Season 17 airs Monday nights on ABC.