ABC reached way back to find new Bachelor Arie Luyendyk
By Sundi Rose
Fans of the franchise have been waiting a long time for this, and now we know that Arie Luyendyk will be the newest Bachelor.
ABC is reaching way back in the annals of the show to push Arie Luyendyk as the newest Bachelor. Fans will remember the 35-year-old racecar driver as the runner-up on Emily Maynard’s season of The Bachelorette a few years ago.
Apparently, Arie is ready to try his hand again and will appear on The Bachelor‘s 22nd season. The franchise is notorious for recycling contestants, but this is the first time they’ve gone back this far to find a lead. Emily’s season ran in 2012, and Luyendyk was heartbroken. Emily chose infamously Jef (with one f) instead of the dreamy and charming Arie.
Luyendyk appeared on Good Morning America on Thursday. He told Michael Strahan he was “a little skeptical” about this second attempt at televised romance. He also confessed to have been in an “ongoing conversation” with the franchise since his departure five years ago. Nonetheless, he promises to go into the process with “an open mind, open heart.”
If you’re feeling a little blindsided by the news, you aren’t alone. Apparently, Arie’s parents learned the news the same way the rest of us did, according to an interview he did with People.
He went on to say, despite his initial skepticism, that “it doesn’t really feel real yet, but I’m taking it step by step. The timing is just so perfect in my life. I could not be more excited for this journey I’m about to embark on.”
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According to some industry insiders, ABC wanted Arie even before the season featuring Chris Soules, but it just never came to be. Ever the level head, Arie told People, “I’m not nervous.” He admits:
"“Now that I’ve had some time and distance away from it, it feels like the feeling I had before I went into it the first time. This feels more natural. I’m not concerned what people think. I’m just focused on the outcome. I want to find my person and will do whatever it takes!”"
Arie’s season of The Bachelor will begin filming shortly and will air on Mondays beginning in January.