The Jan. 16 episode of The Bachelor is full of drama as Ben Flajnik and the remaining women head to San Francisco. One girl voluntarily packs her bags and leaves the show claiming that it doesn’t feel right for her to date with Ben. Then, Shawntel Newton from Bachelor Brad Womack‘s season crashes the cocktail party to try her chance at winning Ben’s love. The women are furious. But that’s not the end of it. During the rose ceremony, a contestant falls down seriously ill before Ben can hand out the final rose.

Emily O’Brien gets the first one-on-one date. Ben takes her to climb the Bay Bridge. Emily is freaking out about being 250 feet in the air, but Ben gives her a kiss to calm her down. They make it to the top. She obviously gets the rose.

The group date is next. Ben takes the girls skiing on a fake slope set up in the middle of a San Francisco street. How corny! Rachel Truehart gets the rose during the night portion of the date.

Brittney gets the next one-on-one date card, but she doesn’t seem that excited. “I’m in absolute shock,” she says. “Something doesn’t feel right to me. I should be thrilled, but I’m not. I’m torn and confused.”

Brittney makes a disturbing decision to leave.”These circumstances just aren’t for me,” she cries as she rolls her bags out the door. “I think I’m just going to go home.” Brittney interrupts the group date and says goodbye to Ben.

Lindzi Cox instead goes on the second one-on-one date. Ben takes her on a tour of the city on a trolley. They stop at the City Hall for a private concert and dance the night away. Over dinner, Lindzi and Ben really seem to hit it off. Ben gives her a rose. “She’s got something special,” Ben gushes. “Ben is sweeping me off of my feet,” Lindzi adds. “He’s amazing. I feel like this is the start of something special.”

The drama heats up during the cocktail party when cunning Courtney Robertson verbally insults Lindzi. Once again Ben misses her manipulative ways. During their alone time, Courtney feeds Ben a bunch of silly lines. “I didn’t expect to feel this way,” she says. “We could make cute babies some day.” Sorry, but Courtney seems to be putting on an act for the cameras.

Shawntel finally crashes the party. As Shawntel enters the room, the other girls freak out. “What. Who is that girl? What’s happening?” all of the women scream. Ben is just as stunned to see Shawntel. “Holy,” he stutters.

“When I found out that you were The Bachelor, I was not happy because I wanted to get to know you because I felt something,” Shawntel tells Ben. “So I decided that I have to know. I want to be at the rose ceremony. If you’d be willing to give me a rose, I’d be really happy. I think that you have similar feelings.”

“I’m speechless,” Ben replies. “I don’t know what to say to you right now. I will think about it. Wow.”

The other women are infuriated. “Why are you here,” a women asks. “I’m also here to date Ben,” Shawntel returns.

“She’s uglier in person, which makes me feel better,” Erika Uhlig states. Drama queen Courtney storms off. “This isn’t what I signed up for,” she cries. “If she stays, I’m prepared to leave.” Shawntel quickly earns the name of “Brad’s leftovers.”

The drama isn’t over. The rose ceremony starts and all the women are worried that Ben will give Shawntel a rose. Ben stops before the fina rose to give a speech. Erika freaks out and falls over. All of the women and producers panic. “It’s a three ring circus because of Shawntel,” claims one girl. “It’s all her fault,” another agrees.

Erika gets back on her feet finally and it’s time for Ben to hand out the final rose. Unfortunately, Ben decides not to give the rose to anyone.

Erika falls over again and breaks down in tears. Jaclyn runs and locks herself in a bathroom. Ben walks Shawntel out and says goodbye. These three women will not be returning for the next episode.

- Lindsey DiMattina

More Bachelor News:

1. ‘Bachelor’ Preview: One Of Ben Flajnik’s Girls Collapses During The Rose Ceremony
2. ‘Bachelor’ Ben Flajnik & Kacie Boguskie Have A Lot Of Promise, Says Ames Brown
3. ‘Bachelor’ Ben Flajnik’s Girl Jamie Otis Competed For Miss New York USA Crown

Bachelor Ben Flajnik is one lucky man. Not only does he have model Courtney Robertson and Miss Chicago Erika Uhlig competing for his love, but another one of his ladies, Jamie Otis, recently competed in the Miss New York USA 2012 pageant.

Jamie, 25, competed in the Miss New York USA pageant (a pre-qualifier for the Miss USA 2012 contest) on Jan. 15 in Purchase, NY. Jamie initially represented Central New York, but made it to the top 20 semi-finalists of Miss New York USA.

When not competing in pageants or on The Bachelor, Jamie works as a maternity nurse at Corland Regional Medical Center in Cortland, New York.

Ben has yet to eliminate Jamie from this season of The Bachelor.

- Lindsey DiMattina

More Bachelor News:

1. ‘Bachelor’ Preview: One Of Ben Flajnik’s Girls Collapses During The Rose Ceremony
2. ‘Bachelor’ Ben Flajnik & Kacie Boguskie Have A Lot Of Promise, Says Ames Brown
3. ‘Bachelor’ Ben Flajnik: I Couldn’t Remember Names At The Rose Ceremonies

Multiple disasters strike on ‘The Bachelor’ as one girl falls seriously ill — and a surprise visitor shows up to steal Ben’s heart away. Watch.

The Jan. 16 episode of The Bachelor is guaranteed to be a dramatic one as an accident strikes one of Ben Flajnik‘s girls during the rose ceremony. A preview video for the upcoming episode shows a girl (who appears to be Erika Uhlig) suddenly collapsing after claiming not to feel well.

“Oh god, oh god, you’re lips are blue,” one girls says as the video shows the girl in the blue dress lying on her back by the pool surrounded by concerned producers and contestants.

But that’s not all of the drama that goes down. Former Bachelor contestant Shawntel Newton from Brad Womack‘s season shows up unexpectedly to try her chances at winning Ben’s love. “These girls are going to hate me,” she says in a voice over.

Contestant Brittney, who brought her grandmother with her to to the first cocktail party during the episode one, also gets some shocking news. “I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” she tells the cameras. “To me, I have to follow my heart. I didn’t see that coming at all.” Does Brittney leave The Bachelor?

Be sure to catch an all-new episode of The Bachelor on ABC tonight, Jan. 16 — and check back here at HollywoodLife.com for our recap.

- Lindsey DiMattina

More Bachelor News:

1. ‘Bachelor’ Ben Flajnik & Kacie Boguskie Have A Lot Of Promise, Says Ames Brown
2. ‘Bachelor’ Ben Flajnik: I Couldn’t Remember Names At The Rose Ceremonies
3. If ‘Bachelor’ Ben Flajnik Picks Courtney Robertson, They Will Break Up, Says Former Contestant

The ‘Bachelor’ girls get a taste of the real cunning Courtney. When she gets the date card, she rubs salt into their wounds by bragging: ‘Winning, winning!’

Like vixen Vienna Girardi and crazy Michelle Money in previous Bachelor seasons, Courtney Robertson appears to be the most cunning and manipulative girl competing for Ben Flajnik‘s love. During the Jan. 9 episode of The Bachelor, Courtney gets a date card from Ben. But instead of taking the news gracefully, she decides to rub her “win” in the other girls’ faces.

During the preview video, a group of girls anxiously await for a date card to arrive. Each girl really wants to get to spend some time with Ben, but Courtney seems to care more about getting ahead of the women than seeing Ben. ”

I’m really competitive and I usually win,” Courtney tells the cameras. “Winning, winning.”

To the other women’s disappointment, Courtney does “win” the one-one-one date. One contestant reads the card out loud to the group: “Courtney, Let’s spin the bottle … Ben.”

“He wants to kiss me,” Courtney brags smugly. “Wow. How’d that taste coming out of your mouth?”

The girl that read the letter looks down and replies: “What?”

“How’d that taste coming out of your mouth? Hahaha,” Courtney repeats. “That’s cute [she shows off the note]. That’s really cute. I think we’re going to make out. Hahaha. I’m like so excited.”

Courtney’s pretentious behavior doesn’t sit well with the women. “When I said Courtney’s name, there’s kind of a shock silence in the room,” says the girl who read the card. “She made a comment and that kind of rubbed me the wrong way because she doesn’t even know me very well.”

“Courtney is trying to deflate all of the girls in the house right now who haven’t gone on a date,” adds Erika Uhlig. “I thought maybe she was a real person at first. She’s not. She’s just not. She’s doing things to be better and rub it in your face. She’s purposely doing this to get under our skin. To be quite frank, it’s working. Congratulations Courtney, you got under our skin. It worked.”

Be sure to catch an all-new episode of The Bachelor on ABC, Jan. 9 — and check HollywoodLife.com for our recap.

— Lindsey DiMattina

More Bachelor News:

1. ‘Bachelor’ Ben Flajnik’s Should Pick Nicki Sterling, Says Ames Brown
2. Ben Flajnik: I Like To Get Naked On ‘The Bachelor’
3. ‘Bachelor’ Producers Kept Monica Spannbauer On The Show To Stir Up Drama

Bachelorette Ashley Hebert may have broken Ben Flajnik‘s heart, but during the season premiere of The Bachelor on Jan. 2, Ben is well on his way to finding love again. After meeting 25 girls, Ben sends seven home and seems quite taken by a select few. But, Ben is also blinded to the drama that’s also beginning to develop. One girl seems more interested in finding a girlfriend — and another girl can’t handle the pressure of being disliked by the other women. Will Ben meet his future wife this season?

Ben first has a chat with host Chris Harrison before the 25 women arrive in the limos. “I think prior to going on The Bachelorette, my father’s death affected me,” Ben shares. “I’m very much a different man today. I’m completely and utterly available. If I find the woman of my dreams, yes [I'll propose]. If someone else said no too, I probably wouldn’t do this again.”

Ben meets the girls in order of how they come out of the limos. Here are the girls’ corny pickup lines and silly moves that they use to try and stand out to Ben:

• Rachel: “I can’t wait to really get to know you,” she says to Ben.
• Erika Uhlig is a law student. “The verdict is in and you are guilty of being sexy,” she smiles at Ben.
• Amber B.: “My last name is Bacon,” she shares. “My friends call me the baconator. Want a taste?”
• Elyse Myers: “Find me later,” she tells Ben. “I’m going to make you sweat.”
• Jenna: She doesn’t stand out — and it’s an awkward interaction.
• Courtney Robertson: “Hey cutie pie. Do you come here often?” she asks. “I have the biggest crush on you. You look good.” Ben’s taken by her. “That is a pretty girl,” he remarks.
• Emily gives Ben the first kiss.
• Samantha: “I’m Miss Pacific Palisades,” she brags. “I’m more than a pageant girl.”
• Casey S. doesn’t say or do anything remarkable.
• Amber T. makes a circle and comes back to say hi a second time. “One more thing in case you don’t believe in love at first sight, here’s your second chance,” she says.
• Holly comes in with a big, funky Derby hat. She’s from Kentucky.
• Jamie is shy, but catches Ben’s eye. “I am loving the brunettes,” he shares after Jamie walks inside.
• Shira asks Ben to teach her about wine.
• Blakeley Shea: “I am the only Southerner,” she warns Ben.
• Sheryl, the grandma, gets out on crutches. “There is a story behind this,” she tells Ben. “I watched your show all last season. I fell madly in love with you. In that limo is my granddaughter.” Sheryl then introduces her granddaughter Brittney. “That’s too cute,” Ben gushes as Brittney and Sheryl walk away. “I love grandmas.”
• Nicki: “I’m Nicki. Are you excited?” she asks Ben. “I’m glad it’s you. You’re precious. I’m glad it’s you.”
• Dianna strikes a pose. “OMG I had something I was going to say,” she says. “I can’t even talk right now.”
• Jennifer: “I wanted to give you some numbers,” she says. “1 is the number of times [I've fallen in love]. Hopefully after tonight I can make it two.”
• Lyndsie J. writes a dorkie poem for Ben and reads it.
• Anna walks past Ben without stopping. “That’s gotta be some kind of first,” Ben states.
• Monica: “I have a confession,” she shares. “I miss my dog more than anything.”
• Jaclyn compliments Ben. “You look very dapper,” she says.
• Shawn: Can I trust that we’ll grab some minutes inside.
• Kacie B.: “Hi Benjamin, I’m from Tennessee,” she reveals. “Can we make a deal tonight? I promise I won’t sugar coat anything.”
• Lindzi C. rides in on a horse. “Hi I’m Lindsey,” she says. “The is Levi. You’re cute. You’re beautiful. I’m from Seattle. I do ride horses.” Ben likes Lindzi: “Save the best for last I suppose.”

Ben then walks into the party. The girls are ecstatic to see him.  Everyone cheers after Ben’s dorky speech.

Rachel gets the first one-on-one time with Ben. “The love is what I’m looking for,” Ben tells her. Rachel admits that she left her job to go on the show. “No pressure,” she jokes. “I’m glad you did it,” Ben replies.

Nicki gets Ben next. “You seem nicely bubbly,” Ben tells Nicki. She reveals that she’s “been through some things” in her life, but doesn’t touch upon the fact that she’s divorced. He seems quite taken by her.

Ben grabs Lindz. She shares that she has been riding horses since she was six. She also adds that she tried to make wine once with store bought grapes. Ben and Lindzi seem to have a good connection.

All of the women are laughing about Brittney bringing her grandmother. While they are laughing, Ben goes to sit with Sheryl and Brittney. Ben walks Sheryl to the car and then goes back inside to sit with Brittney.

Ben next plays some soccer with one girl. Another girl shows off her tattoos. Ben does some line dancing with another group of girls. A girl also blindfolds Ben and feeds him some candy. What if he’s allergic to nuts? Oh well. Ben seems to enjoy the experiment.

The girls are trying hard to get Ben’s first impression rose. Emily reads Ben a rap, or poem, or whatever you want to call it. Ben seems more into joking about her talents than into Emily herself.

Courtney can’t stop obsessing about Ben’s hair. Ben clearly likes Courtney a lot.

Finally, the real drama begins. Jenna corners Monica about her reasons for being on the show. Monica admits that she’s not attracted to Ben — and we’re about to see why.

Monica makes a move on Blakeley. She tells Blakeley that she’s “beautiful and amazing.” “There is something to say about a gorgeous real woman,” Monica confesses. Monica then asks for Blakeley for her number. They are getting a bit too close on the couch.

Jenna is a drama queen. She can’t stop complaining about Monica. “She makes me feel inferior, but I will not cry,” Jenna whines to Rachel. Rachel brings Monica over to talk to Jenna. “I just feel like you don’t like me,” Jenna says. “I don’t know you. I don’t get it,” Monica returns.

“If she comes at me later, I’ll cut your face off,” Monica jokes after the talk with Jenna to a group of girls. Jenna breaks down in tears. What on earth is going on? Is she mad that Monica is making passes at Blakeley instead of her?

Ben comes over to find out what’s going on. Jenna stops crying when he asks what’s up. This girl can definitely put on a duplicitous face. Note, Ben please avoid the drama queen. After Ben walks away, Jenna locks herself in the bathroom crying. “People here are awful,” she sobs. “I’m not the girl who is wanting fame out of all of this.” Oh, the truth comes out.

It’s finally time for the first impression rose. Ben brings Lindzi outside (good choice Ben). “I’m not giving this rose because of the horse,” Ben tells her. “I like the conversation we had.” Lindzi accepts the rose.

It’s now time for the rose ceremony, but Jenna is missing. “I didn’t know I was going to react like this,” she complains as she walks into the ceremony late. “I just hope he’s going to give me another chance.”

Jamie, Rachel, Blakeley, Emily, Kacey B., Casey S., Brittney, Erika, Shawn, Nicki, Jennifer, Elyse, Samantha, Courtney, Jaclyn, Monica, and Jenna all get roses.

Ben sends Shira, Amber B., Lyndsie J., Amber T., Dianna, Anna, and Holly home.

BFFs — do you think Ben really has a connection with Monica — or is Monica more into women?

- Lindsey DiMattina

More Bachelor Ben Flajnik News:

1. ‘Bachelor’ Preview: Will Ben Flajnik Face Heartbreak Again?
2. ‘Bachelor’ Contestant Erika Uhlig: Ben Flajnik Is ‘Really Attractive’
3. J.P. Rosenbaum: ‘Bachelor’ Ben Flajnik Should Focus On His Fiancee

Meet Miss Chicago Erika Uhlig in a new video introduction. Find out why she’s excited to date Ben.

Bachelor contestant Erika Uhlig couldn’t wait to meet Ben Flajnik before she started filming the new season. In a new promo video for the show that she filmed prior to meeting Ben, Erika reveals that Ben’s dedication to his family makes him very attractive.

“My grandmother taught me in life, it’s always good to put your family first,” Erika confesses in the Warner Bros Bachelor fan site video. “Ben seems to be very genuine and very real and I think that he really likes somebody who’s in touch with their family. That’s something that’s actually really attractive.”

Erika continues to introduce herself. “My name is Erika,” she says. “I’m 23 years old and I’m Miss Chicago.”

“I think people think terrible things about pageant girls,” Erika shares. “People think pageant girls are stupid, but I am a current law student at the University of Illinois College of Law and I am pursuing a legal career.”

Erika likes being Miss Chicago. “I feel extremely fortunate to be Miss Chicago,” she admits. “It’s a great platform for doing community service.”

“I think I’m really ready for this,” Erika says about going on The Bachelor. “I’m really excited about it.”

Be sure to catch the season premiere of The Bachelor on ABC Jan. 2 — and check back here at HollywoodLife.com for our recap.

- Lindsey DiMattina

More Bachelor News:

1. Kardashians, ‘Teen Mom’ & ‘The Bachelor:’ 12 Reality Show Holiday Wishes
2. J.P. Rosenbaum: ‘Bachelor’ Ben Flajnik Should Focus On His Fiancee
3. ‘Bachelor’ Host Chris Harrison: The Show’s Relationships Are Real

Ben Flajnik, 28, is already done filming his season of The Bachelor and may even be engaged at this very moment — but fans have yet to meet Ben’s 25 elegible ladies that compete to win his heart. ABC has officially released their names and pics.

Meet ABC and Ben’s 25 Bachelorettes:

• Amber B., 23, is a labor and delivery nurse from Port Coquitlam, Canada. Her favorite book is Eat Pray Love. “It is an inspirational book that reminds me happiness is not a stroke of luck or good fortune,” Amber says. “It is something we can have often if we work to see the beauty in the everyday, enjoy all our moments and insist upon daily happiness.
• Amber T., 28, is a critical care nurse from Waverly, Neb. To impress a man, “I would cook him an amazing dinner!” Amber shares. “The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”
• Anna Snowball, 25, is a student from Ontario, Canada. She has two tattoos and the Greek Islands is her favorite vacation place. The most outrageous thing she has ever done is skydiving. “I jumped out of a plane at 15,000 feet and I loved every second of it,” Anna admits.
• Blakeley Shea, 34, is a VIP cocktail waitress from Rutherfordton, N.C. She has four tattoos on her foot, stomach, back and arm. Blakeley has a major crush on Edward Norton. She owns a long-haired teacup Chihuahua.
• Brittney, 26, is a medical sales rep from Colorado Springs, Colo.  If she were stranded on an island, the three things she would want with her are her boyfriend, sunscreen and a flare gun.
• Casey Shteamer, 26, is a trading clerk from Leawood, Kan. Her favorite book is The Catcher in the Rye. Her most embarrasing memory is “peeing in my pants in gym class in seventh grade.”
• Courtney Robertson, 28, is a model from Scottsdale, Ariz. “I’m a hopeless romantic,” she gushes. “Love is my religion. I’m in love with love. All I want is to find the right guy and love him forever.”
• Dianna, 30, is a nonprofit director from San Gabriel, Calif. She admires Oprah Winfrey the most in the world. “She rocks and changes many lives while helping out so many people,” Dianna says.
• Elyse Myers, 24, is a personal trainer originally from Chicago, Ill. She now lives in Tampa, Fla. She describes her ideal mate as “trustworthy, kind, funny, spontaneous, romantic, isn’t overly jealous and confident.”
• Emily, 27, is a PhD student from Chapel Hill, N.C. East of Eden is her favorite book. “It’s such a perfect story of good and evil and an amazing examination of human psychology,” Emily explains.
• Erika Uhlig, 23, is a law student from Charlottesville, Va. She has two tattoos on her wrist and lip. “Awkward silence” is her biggest fear. Erika is also currently Miss Chicago.
• Holly, 34, is a pharmaceutical sales rep from Salyersville, Ky. She describes herself as a “hopeless romantic.”
• Jaclyn Swartz, 27, is an advertising sales rep from Newton, Mass. She wishes that she could be Gisele Bundchen for one day. “She’s rich, super hot and married to my man Tom Brady,” Jaclyn says.
• Jamie Otis, 25, is a registered nurse from Dryden, N.Y. Danielle Steele and Nora Roberts are her favorite authors.
• Jenna, 27, is a blogger from Loveland, Ohio. She shares the story of her worst date: “Some guy tried to make a movie out of our date and kiss me in the rain.”
• Jennifer, 28, is an accountant from Cache, Okla. She has four tattoos on her feet, right hip and lower back.
• Kacie Boguskie, 24, is an administrative assistant from Clarksville, Tenn. She has three tattoos on her foot, side and “another location.”
• Lindzi C., 27, is business development manager from Ocala, Fla. She describes herself as adventurous. “I used to be fearless but the older I get, I realize that I sort of love this life thing and I’m getting a little more conservative,” she says.
• Lyndsie J., 29, is an internet entrepreneur from London. Her favorite vacation spot is Port Douglas, Australia.
• Monica Spannbauer, 33, is a dental consultant from Yuba City, Calif. Saint Patrick’s Day is her favorite holiday.
• Nicki, 26, is a dental hygienist from Hurst, Tex. She has one tattoo on her back.
• Rachel Truehart, 27, is a fashion sales rep originally from Southhampton, Mass. She now lives in NYC.
• Samantha Levey, 26, is an advertising account manager from Pittsburgh, Pa. “I love dressing up,” she reveals. “Who doesn’t enjoy feeling pretty?”
• Shawn Reynolds, 28, is a financial advisor from Cincinnati, Ohio. She has five tattoos in “various locations.”
• Shira is an actress from Massapequa Park, N.Y. If she could, she would be President Obama for a day. “I would hold an emergency press conference and say everything I’ve ever wanted to say to the world,” she notes.

- Lindsey DiMattina

Click here to view the embedded video.

More Bachelor Stories

1. Ben’s Final Four Revealed
2. Ben’s Honesty Makes Him A Great Bachelor
3. Elyse Myers Is Ready To Marry Ben

Bachelor Ben Flajnik has officially started his journey to find love. Not only has he already met his 25 women, but host Chris Harrison revealed on Sept. 21 that roses were being handed out! That means Ben is done with his first ceremony, eliminating the preliminary batch of women. Plus, RealitySteve.com has revealed four of Ben’s potential mates!

“Promised I’d keep you up to date on #Thebachelor,” Chris tweeted Sept. 21. “Well roses are flyin!”

Yay, Ben we are cheering for you. After Bachelorette Ashley Hebert crushed your heart, you totally deserve to find your dream woman.

Speaking of dream women, meet Ben’s first confirmed women, revealed by as per RealitySteve.com:

• Erika Uhlig is a 23-year-old law student at the University of Illinois College of Law. She is also currently serving as Miss Chicago 2011. She spent her undergraduate years at the University of Pittsburgh.
• Elyse Myers is a 24-year-old personal trainer and fitness instructor from Tampa, Fla. She grew up in Illinois and studied exercise physiology at Eastern Illinois University.
• Heather Freshwater is 25 years old, teaches 7th grade language arts and is from Knoxville, Tenn. She went to school at Carson-Newman College.
• Jamie Otis is just 23 years old and works as a maternity nurse at Corland Regional Medical Center. She lives in Cortland, NY.

Wow. These gals are quite young, but that’s OK because Ben’s only 28.

Ben has about another 5-6 weeks left of filming. BFFs — do you think Ben’s falling in love as we speak?

– Lindsey DiMattina

More Bachelor Stories:

1. Ashley: Ben Will Be A Great Bachelor!
2. Ben’s First Interview As The Bachelor!
3. Ben’s Excited To Meet His 25 Women!