"I liked her personality" The Bachelor Season 29's Grant talks giving Alexe the First Impression Rose 

The Bachelor’s Season 29 premiere featured plenty of memorable first impressions, but Alexe Godin, a 27-year-old pediatric speech therapist from Atlantic Canada, stood out by bringing a llama—a bold move that paid off.

Grant Ellis, the 31-year-old day trader from Newark, New Jersey, was instantly charmed by both Alexe and her four-legged companion, Linda the No Drama Llama. Reflecting on his decision to give Alexe the coveted First Impression Rose, Grant told E! News:

"I liked her personality, and she brought a llama."

The choice wasn't just about the unique entrance – Grant found himself drawn to Alexe's genuine personality and their natural chemistry.

"We had so much fun on our little mini-date that we were on. We laughed, we joked and I feel like the conversation just flowed really well," he explained.

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What happened on the first night of The Bachelor Season 29?

Before the evening's main event, The Bachelor premiere included a touching tribute to Grant's late grandmother, Corine, who received a symbolic first rose through a memorial card. The gesture set an emotional tone for what would become a significant night at the Bachelor mansion.

Linda the No Drama Llama didn't just make a brief appearance – she became the unexpected star of the evening.

Alexe brought her companion inside the mansion, where Linda participated in selfies with contestants and even made an appearance in confessional interviews. The llama's presence created a uniquely entertaining atmosphere that helped break the ice among the contestants.

During their one-on-one time, Alexe and Grant shared a French lesson that culminated in a French kiss. Grant was particularly impressed by Alexe's energy, as he later revealed to the cameras:

"There's one girl in particular that really stood out... she's so funny, she's so quirky, she's so sweet, and she's smart. We had the most connection and spark. Everything that she is embodies what I look for in a woman, and I can't wait to get to know her."

When presenting the First Impression Rose, Grant pulled Alexe aside and said:

"I really enjoyed our time tonight. Aside from being beautiful, I think that you're funny, you're smart, you're intelligent, and I had a great time. So Alexe, will you accept this rose?"

For Alexe, this validation meant more than just surviving the first night – it confirmed that Grant appreciated her authentic self.

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Who is Alexe Godin?

Beyond her memorable entrance, Alexe brings an interesting personality to the show. The Canadian speech therapist has some quirky traits: she's addicted to cooking competition shows, loves ketchup chips, and steadfastly refuses to do karaoke. Fans can follow her journey on Instagram at @alexe.godin, where she had 7,330 followers before the premiere.

The Bachelor Grant remains confident in his choice.

"Looking back, I wouldn't have done it any other way," he told E! News. "I would give it to Alexe again. That night was meant for her, and I really don't know if I had any runners-up, honestly."

The decision came with an extra bonus – host Jesse Palmer announced that the First Impression Rose recipient would also receive the first one-on-one date in Episode 2 of The Bachelor.

For Alexe, the experience has already exceeded expectations. As she gushed in the season teaser,

"I am not used to dating emotional guys. I'm having the best time of my life."

As Grant explained to Decider, their connection was immediate:

"Alexe and I had a lot of really good conversation and we both laughed a lot. And I think that's what really drew me to her. The sense of humor that she had and just the friendship that I felt like our relationship had when meeting her for the first time. And then I'm an animal lover. So the No Drama Llama definitely didn't hurt."

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The Bachelor airs on ABC on Mondays at 8:00 pm PT/ET.