Melissa Rycroft is making a fresh start in 2010 – by changing her name.
The former "Bachelor" contestant-turned-ABC contributor Tweeted on Tuesday she would no longer be known simply as Melissa Rycroft
"Off to legally change my last name! Exciting!!" Melissa wrote on her Twitter page, which she renamed MelRyStrickland, after marrying insurance agent Tye Strickland in December.
When contacted by Access Hollywood, a rep for the star confirmed she will legally change her name to Melissa Strickland, but will still use Melissa Rycroft for work.
The former "Bachelor" contestant, who was jilted on television in early 2009 after Jason Mesnick decided to dump her in order to reconcile with Molly Malaney, later went on to great success on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."
The reality star, who was paired with Tony Dovolani, scored a Top 3 finish, and made several friends while on the show, including former "Sex and The City" heartthrob Gilles Marini, who Tweeted a congratulations of her name-changing news.
"So proud of You .. You rock . Love G," Gilles wrote.
"Thanks!! YOU rock dude! Hope we see you soon!! Xoxo," Melisa replied.
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'Dancing' Reality Darling Melissa Rycroft
PLAY IT NOW: Jason Mesnick Talks Life After 'The Bachelor'
PLAY IT NOW: Access Extended: Inside Melissa & Tony's 'Dancing' Preps (May 12, 2009)
MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Melissa Rycroft - Reality TV - TV - Dancing With the Stars - News
