Ben Higgins was just voted off "The Bachelorette" last night, and ABC wasted no time letting the world know that he will be our newest "Bachelor."
The 26-year-old software salesman has apparently been chosen by the producers as the newest man looking for love, multiple sources have told E! News. ABC has not yet made any direct comments on the casting rumors, but multiple insiders have confirmed that Kaitlyn Bristowe's third runner-up will be the star of the show's 20th season in the fall. He is "pretty much a lock," although he has not finalized his contract yet.
This news has come pretty early, though, considering ABC has no plans to make the official announcement any time soon. Networks usually do not make these sort of announcements until their current season is finished.
Higgins won fans over with his sweet sincerity and good looks. He was sent home in the final rose ceremony last night as he and Bristowe didn't seem to have as much chemistry as the other two finalists, Shawn B. and Nick. Producers feel he will reel in more viewers than this season's runner-up will.
While Higgins is a fan favorite, his recent one-on-one with Bristowe in last week's episode broke viewers' hearts, according to Us Weekly. He told her that his last breakup made him feel "unlovable," so there was a chance he'd be too fragile to take on this journey to find love.
When it comes to his thoughts on marriage, though, he understands how serious of a commitment it is. "It is a total sacrifice," he said, according to ABC. "Marriage is about a commitment to another person and total sacrifice to fulfill that commitment."
See who Bristowe chooses when the season 11 finale and the "After the Final Rose" special air on July 27.
