The 26-year-old software salesman humbly says, 'I think people like me don't get opportunities like this,' when he's introduced as the next Bachelor on 'After Paradise'.
- Aug 25, 2015
AceShowbiz - ABC has announced its next Bachelor. Having been a favorite since the race for "The Bachelor" season 20 began, Ben Higgins who was vying for Kaitlyn Bristowe's attention on "The Bachelorette" season 11 is officially cast as the star for the upcoming installment of the reality dating show.
Host Chris Harrison revealed the news during Sunday, August 24 episode of "After Paradise" which featured Nick Viall making a guest appearance. "It's incredible. I think people like me don't get opportunities like this," Ben humbly said of his new gig. "I never would have thought this opportunity would be something I could have, but I'm excited. Everything leading up to this has been incredible."
The 26-year-old software salesman additionally told Chris, "I don't know if you remember this, but you gave me some advice before I left. You said use this opportunity to enhance the life you already have, and I've really tried to just keep things normal. The company I work for has been incredibly fair to me and allowed me to continue to work through all the craziness. I still wake up in the morning, I go to work, I go to church on Sundays, and I work out at lunch."
"Yes, there's things about life that has changed," Ben continued, "I'm a lot cooler on Instagram than I ever thought I'd be, but overall, things have been very normal in a weird way."
Following the announcement, Amy Schumer who appeared on Kaitlyn's season congratulated him via a phone call. "Ben, I am so excited for you, I hope you find love, do you want to have phone sex right now?" the comedienne said. Ben responded, "You have my number, call me later." Amy said, "Find love, and then send some my way," before she hung up.
Ben later expressed his hope, "A lot of my closest friends are married. They're starting their families. I have a great example of love through my parents, and through grandparents, and family. I'm ready for it. I'm excited to start now sharing life with somebody."
Nick V. has nothing but praise for the new Bachelor. He told Us Weekly, "I think ABC made a great choice. I think he's one of the few people that actually lives up to the hype. He's a very sweet guy and now that he's the leading guy I hope we get to see the other great sides of Ben. Ben has an edge and I hope that he shows it!"
