SEASON PREMIERE

LET THE FIREWORKS BEGIN AS JAKE PAVELKA, VIENNA GERARDI, KASEY KAHL AND JUSTIN "RATED-R" REGO REUNITE, ON ABC'S "BACHELOR PAD"

"Episode 201" -- Hosted by Chris Harrison ("The Bachelor," "The Bachelorette"), "Bachelor Pad" returns MONDAY, AUGUST 8 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) with its most controversial cast to date, as 18 unforgettable characters from the "Bachelor" franchise - those we love and those we love to hate -- gather back at the mansion to live together and compete for $250,000 and possibly a second chance at love. The drama begins as the contestants move into the "Bachelor" mansion to meet their fellow competitors on a night where Jake Pavelka and Vienna Girardi will come face to face for the first time since their unforgettable primetime showdown. In their first challenge, the "Hook Up," the men and women will pair off into couples clinging to each other 10-feet high. The couple who can hang on to each other the longest will win the challenge and be saved from elimination. At the end of the episode, one man and one woman will be voted off.

The 18 contestants set to lay it all on the line for love and/or money are:

The Women

GIA ALLEMAND ("The Bachelor" Season 14, Jake Pavelka) After falling for Wes (Jillian's season) on last season's "Bachelor Pad," Gia returns to the pad to face Vienna, who's rumored to have come between her and Wes. She'll be thankful to have an ally in Jake, with whom she's formed a friendship. Occupation: Model Age: 26 Residence: New York, NY

HOLLY DURST ("The Bachelor" Season 12, Matt Grant) Holly was engaged to fellow "Bachelor Pad" Season 2 contestant Michael Stagliano, then broke off the engagement, only to realize she'd made a mistake. Just days after the breakup, she ran back to Michael, but it was too late; he could no longer trust her. Now living in the pad together, Holly's ready for a rebound. Occupation: Children's book author Age: 28 Residence: Hollywood, CA

VIENNA GIRARDI ("The Bachelor" Season 14, Jake Pavelka) Now dating Kasey (Ali's season), Vienna has since moved on from her messy break-up with Jake and their infamous post-breakup TV face-off. Not only will she have to face Jake again in the pad, but she must also confront Gia (Jake's season) about their recent history. Occupation: Unemployed Age: 25 Residence: Los Angeles

JACKIE GORDON ("The Bachelor" Season 15, Brad Womack) Jackie is the girl next door not afraid to speak her mind. She's ready for love and will get along well with the guys, but she'll watch her back when it comes to Michelle Money, whom she doesn't trust. Occupation: Assistant Teacher Age: 27 Residence: New York, NY

MICHELLE MONEY ("The Bachelor" Season 15, Brad Womack) Michelle may be known as the manipulative seductress from Brad's season, but the men won't mind sharing the pad with her. Occupation: Hairstylist Age: 30 Residence: Salt Lake City, UT

ELLA NOLAN ("The Bachelor" Season 14, Jake Pavelka) Single mom Ella is still quite upset with Jake for sending her home during a two-on-one date. Engaged to be wed, she comes to the pad having called off her wedding. Occupation: Hairstylist Age: 31 Residence: Nashville, TN

ERICA ROSE ("The Bachelor" Season 9, Lorenzo Borghese) Erica's outspokenness proved to be a turn-off for Lorenzo, but whether she's in it for love or money, Erica will do anything! With friends Vienna and Kasey by her side, she might just get what she wants. Occupation: Student Age: 28 Residence: Houston, TX

MELISSA SCHREIBER ("The Bachelor" Season 15, Brad Womack) Referred to as "the cougar" by her fellow castmates from season 15, Melissa is also known for her heated argument with Raichel (Brad's season). Occupation: Waitress Age: 32 Residence: Boca Raton, FL

ALLI TRAVIS ("The Bachelor" Season 15, Brad Womack) After telling Brad she had trouble picturing herself marrying her previous boyfriend, Brad reflected on his relationship with Alli and told her he felt the same way about her. Shortly thereafter, she was dismissed. Occupation: Buyer Age: 25 Residence: Columbus, OH

The Men

AMES BROWN ("The Bachelorette" Season 7, Ashley Hebert) Ames' inherent politeness may have carried him to the final four, but a trip to his hometown was not enough to keep Ashley wanting more. Occupation: Banker Age: 31 Residence: New York, NY

GRAHAM BUNN ("The Bachelorette" Season 4, DeAnna Pappas) Graham is known as the hot heartbreaker from DeAnna's season who didn't reciprocate her feelings for him. Occupation: Entrepreneur Age: 32 Residence: New York, NY

KIRK DEWINDT ("The Bachelorette" Season 6, Ali Fedotowsky) Kirk's dad, a taxidermist, gave Ali a tour of his basement to show off his work. Shortly thereafter, Kirk was dismissed. He joins the pad with friend and ally Kasey (Ali's season). Occupation: Personal trainer Age: 27 Residence: Minneapolis, MN

BLAKE JULIAN ("The Bachelorette" Season 7, Ashley Hebert) Blake never got his shot at a one-on-one date with Ashley and was truly upset upon hearing Bentley had returned. Occupation: Dentist Age: 27 Residence: Greenville, SC

WILLIAM HOLMAN ("The Bachelorette" Season 7, Ashley Hebert) Funnyman William is known for humiliating Ashley during a roast early on in the season. Occupation: Sales Consultant Age: 30 Residence: Galloway, OH

KASEY KAHL ("The Bachelorette" Season 6, Ali Fedotowsky) Kasey is known for getting a tattoo on his wrist to signify to Ali how he'll "guard and protect" her heart. These days his affection belongs to fellow contestant and girlfriend Vienna (Jake's season). There may be eight other guys he'll have to contend with, but only one guy he must best - Jake. Occupation: Entrepreneur/philanthropist Age: 27 Residence: Clovis, CA

JAKE PAVELKA ("The Bachelor" Season 14) Jake returns to the site of his infamous post-breakup face-off with Vienna, seeing her for the first time since their heated exchange. This time, Vienna's new man, Kasey (Ali's season), will be by her side. Occupation: Pilot Age: 33 Residence: Los Angeles, CA

JUSTIN "RATED-R" REGO ("The Bachelorette" Season 6, Ali Fedotowsky) Justin walked off Ali's season when she confronted him about the voice messages he'd left for his girlfriend back home. Occupation: In sales Age: 27 Residence: Toronto, Canada

MICHAEL STAGLIANO ("The Bachelorette" Season 5, Jillian Harris) The wounds from his break-up with ex-fianc�e and fellow "Bachelor Pad" contestant Holly Durst are still fresh. Michael must not only contend with 17 other contestants, but he also faces the prospects of Holly dating other guys. Occupation: Entrepreneur Age: 27 Residence: Sherman Oaks, CA

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "Bachelor Pad" is executive-produced by Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton. "The Bachelor," "The Bachelorette" and "Bachelor Pad" are all produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television.

"Bachelor Pad" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with stereo sound. A parental guideline will be posted closer to the airdate.

This episode of "Bachelor Pad" will be available on ABC.com the day after airing on the network for users to watch online. For more information on "Bachelor Pad," please visit ABC.com.