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Ben Higgins Has Been Chosen as the Next Bachelor

Meet your new Bachelor! What do you think of the choice?

By Kristin Dos Santos Jul 14, 2015 3:15 PMTags
The Bachelorette, Ben HigginsABC

Good news for everyone who cried buckets last night when Ben Higgins was booted off The Bachelorette!

Multiple sources tell E! News that the 26-year-old has been chosen by producers as the next Bachelor.

ABC does not comment on casting rumors, however multiple insiders tell us that producers have decided on Kaitlyn Bristowe's third runner up to star in the show's landmark 20th season this fall. We are told that Ben has yet to finalize his contract, however, he is "pretty much a lock." So barring any last minute changes, Ben will be your next rose-giver and basically this means that if you ever thought about auditioning for the show…now is the time!

According to sources, ABC does not plan to make an announcement regarding the new Bachelor any time soon. The next casting is traditionally never announced before the current season is over.

Ben's sweet sincerity won him early favor among Bachelorette fans,  and of course, his Taylor Kinney-esque looks don't hurt. Ben was sent packing in the final rose ceremony last night, as he appeared to not have as much chemistry with Kaitlyn as the other two finalists: Shawn B. and Nick.

We are told that the runner-up in this season's Bachelorette also was in contention to be the next Bachelor, but producers feel Ben would reel in more viewers. 

Assuming Ben signs on the dotted line, he will continue the show's streak of casting third runner ups. Chris Soules was the third runner up on Andi Dorfman's season, and Kaitlyn Bristowe was the third runner up on Chris's season. Andi also was the third runner-up on Juan Pablo Galavis' season.

We are told that third runner-ups tend to work well for the show, because runner-ups are often portrayed in a way that make them slightly less popular by the time the season ends, so viewers are happy with the "winner."

So…time to chime in! Do you like Ben H. as a choice for the Bachelor? Or would Shawn B. or Nick be better? Bare your souls in the comments.

Watch: Amy Schumer Relives Crashing "The Bachelorette" Set