CHARLOTTE, N.C. — By now, most people know Charlotte’s own Emily Maynard is ABC’s newest Bachelorette.
The new season of the show premiered Monday night and most of it was filmed in Charlotte. While many people were surprised to see their normal hang-outs surrounded by cameras and lighting, Maynard is used to being followed around by camera crews.
She made her reality television debut on season 15 of “The Bachelor,” and even walked away with an engagement ring, but the on-air romance fizzled quickly.
It’s not Maynard’s first experience with heartbreak, either.
Her first engagement ended tragically when her fiancé, NASCAR driver Ricky Hendrick, was killed in a plane crash in October 2004. Days after the accident, she learned she was pregnant with their daughter, Ricki.
“My daughter is the most important thing in my life,” she said.
As the newest Bachelorette, Maynard said she realizes that the man she ultimately chooses could become her daughter’s stepfather. It’s a decision she’s not taking lightly.
“I think it’s really important to ask what they see their role being as a step-dad and if they’re OK with a not-so-glamorous life -- carpool, getting sick in the middle of the night, things like that,” Maynard said.
She added that the Hendrick family has offered her complete support in signing on to the show.
“They are absolute angels in my life and have been 110 percent supportive of anything I want to do, including this,” she said. “They think it’s great.”
During a photo shoot before filming began for the series, she admitted she initially did not want to be the Bachelorette. But for the first time in the show’s history, the producers offered to move the taping from California to Charlotte just to accommodate Maynard’s life.
“It’s a lot of pressure being a Bachelorette, period. But having them in my hometown, I think I need to be a good hostess,” she said.
The show’s producers have not said how much of the city will be featured during the season, but several familiar places -- Freedom Park and the Mint Museum -- will play a part in the show.
“I love it here. I hope they get to see how pretty it is,” Maynard said.
She’s also hoping for a great outcome.
Maynard said her family will also be featured on the show, including her daughter. But Ricki will not meet any of the bachelors.