There has been a lot of speculation on who the next "Bachelor" star would be ever since Kaitlyn Bristowe chose Shawn Booth over Nick Viall and Ben Higgins. About a month ago, it was rumored that Higgins, who was the second runner-up, would be next season's suitor — and now Higgins has confirmed that the rumors were true! During the after show on last night's episode of "Bachelor in Paradise," Higgins made the official Season 20 announcement alongside host Chris Harrison.
"I think when that opportunity, if it happens, presents itself, it's something you have to go at," he told Variety about being the next Bachelor. "I think being in this experience now has taught me... it's not ideal, but it can work."
The 26-year-old software salesman was heartbroken when Bristowe sent him home, but he's back and ready to move on so he can find the love of his life. He won viewers' hearts over on "The Bachelorette" with his sweet personality, good looks and charm, and fans everywhere are ready for him to do it all over again.
"I think girls would totally swoon for him," Season 10's Andi Dorfman told Us Weekly. "I think he just seems like a guy with good values and good morals and somebody that's very pure."
While we got to know him pretty well during the show, a lot of his personal life still remains a mystery, so here are five things you need to know about Higgins:
1. Ben Is A Business Man
Higgins graduated from Indiana University in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, according to LinkedIn. Before going on the show, he worked as a business analyst for Talisys, a company that provides financial services software for books and records. At his job, his responsibilities were to "elicit, evaluate and document business user requirements with a focus on tax reporting, ACATS and commission based sales. Present and facilitate client discussions for user groups, requirement reviews and demos. Work as a business-knowledge contact point for engineers developing the product. Develop test plans, oversee the testing team and actively test the product." Higgins is a smart guy, but he decided to go after love instead of continuing with his career right now. Apparently, he turned down a promotion so he could be on the show, according to Us Weekly.
2. Ben Is Very Religious
As a Christian, religion is very important to Higgins. He has been a part of many religious groups, including Faith Based Affairs International Volunteer Head Quarters, which he was the director of in Peru, according to Ok! Here is the Situation. He once interned at Warsaw Community Church in his hometown of Warsaw, Ind., he is the marketing and fundraising coordinator for the Bakers Youth Club and he even has a tattoo of a Bible verse ("Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans").
3. Ben Is Good With Kids
Higgins completely nailed the awkward group date where he had to teach children sex ed, according to Hollywood Life. He eventually won the rose on that date because, even though it should have been a very uncomfortable situation, he handled it like a pro. He was so adorable with the kids and everyone could tell he was a natural.
4. Ben Is Not All About Sex
He's definitely not a virgin because he told Bristowe this during their one-on-one date when she asked him up front, but viewers probably won't hear him having sex in the fantasy suite either, according to Entertainment Weekly. While we don't know if Higgins and Bristowe ever slept together, he did make sure she knew that the physical part of a relationship isn't the most important part for him.
5. Ben Is Very Respectful
When Bristowe didn't give him a rose, he was obviously heartbroken, but handled it with class and respect. "This wonderful girl deserves happiness," he tweeted after his elimination. "Much respect for you @kaitlynbristowe and glad you were our bachelorette." After he left the show, Higgins even had some nice things to say about the guy she ended up choosing. "Shawn and I were best friends, so I'm biased," he told People on who he thought she should end up with. "We bonded from night one. But Kaitlyn is a great person, and she deserves a guy like him." He also posted an Instagram of the two with the caption: "This is when it all started, and dang it was a wild ride. I have nothing but respect for Kaitlyn as a person and her desire to take this process seriously."
This wonderful girl deserves happiness. Much respect for you @kaitlynbristowe and glad you were our bachelorette. pic.twitter.com/N5yhtA8w5N
— Benjamin Higgins (@benhiggi) July 14, 2015
"The Bachelor" will return to ABC in January 2016.
