is ringing in the new year by introducing his girlfriend, .
“We met in 2021 and became instant friends,” Allio, 40, began in a lengthy Instagram caption on Thursday, January 2. “For years, that’s exactly how we stayed — always there for each other at any hour, sharing laughs when life got tough, and offering support when it was needed most. There’s something special about being friends first. It sounds obvious, but I’d never truly experienced it until I met her.”
The former reality TV star gushed that he’s “felt unconditional love and have been able to give it in return” for the “first time in forever.”
“From the moment I wake up, she’s in my thoughts, lifting my hope and filling my heart,” Allio wrote. “She’s the light that shines through the cracks, fitting seamlessly into our lives and completing our family in ways I never imagined possible.”
Allio noted that Chapman has formed “such a strong bond” with his 8-year-old son, James, which he called “one of the greatest joys.” (Allio welcomed son James with late wife , who died in 2019 following a battle with breast cancer.)
“Watching their relationship grow has brought me happiness beyond compare — it’s like she was meant to be here with us all along,” Allio wrote. “Here’s to love, friendship, and the beautiful journey ahead with my best friend by my side. ❤️Happy New Year my friends.”
Alongside the heartfelt message, Allio shared several clips and photos from his relationship with Chapman. The Instagram video began with the words, “January 2024.” In one clip, the couple slow danced, and in a separate video, they sweetly embraced as they sat in the sand on a beach.
The post came days after Allio teased his romance with Chapman. In an Instagram video shared on December 25, Allio decorated a Christmas tree with James while a mystery woman — now identified as Chapman — entered into the frame.
“We got everything we wanted this year,” he captioned the upload. “Hope you did too. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays friends. Here’s to the best year yet.”
Bachelor Nation met Allio when he vied for the affections of on season 17 of The Bachelorette. After his elimination, Allio attempted to find love again on the beaches of Mexico on Bachelor in Paradise.
During season 8 of the spinoff show — which aired in 2022 — Allio found a connection with . While Maltby, 39, didn’t leave the beach with a ring on her finger, she and Allio pursued their romance outside of the show. One year later, the pair announced their split.
“I guess I’ll just come out with it. We’re not together anymore,” Allio said during a September 2023 episode of ’s “Trading Secrets” podcast. “It’s not what we planned. We both threw a lot into this relationship and it’s really awful when it doesn’t work out.”
He continued, “You mourn the loss not of just that person and that friend in your life, but also the future that you had envisioned. And it’s to no fault of hers.”
Maltby addressed the split via social media days later. “This breakup was not a mutual decision arriving at some perception of incompatibilities,” she shared. “However, I do hope the best for Michael, and I will always have [his son] James in my heart as we move forward separately.”
She continued, “I know so many people were rooting for Michael and I, and I appreciate your support so much. I don’t regret the love I gave for a second.”
Maltby has since moved on with a mystery man of her own. In a Wednesday, January 1, post shared via Instagram, Maltby wrote, “things I’m bringing into the new year 🌙 🫶🏼🔮and honoring every path here. happy new year, to all of you😘.”
Maltby shared a video of clips and images — one of which featured a black-and-white snap of her seemingly kissing another man. She wrote over the video, “A new relationship.”
