'The Bachelor' 2016 season 20 spoilers: Tenley and Becca to compete for Ben Higgin's love?

Former contestants expressed interest in joining "The Bachelor" season 20.Facebook/ABC

Some "Bachelor" alum might be competing for the heart of season 20 leading man Ben Higgins when the ABC reality dating show returns January next year.

Host Chris Harrison told TV Guide that they have been dealing with a lot of women who expressed interest in joining the upcoming installment. He said that he got plenty of direct messages on his Instagram account about girls who would do "anything," even quite their jobs, to be with Higgins. The host also divulged that even some stars from "Bachelor Nation" wanted to be part of the program.

"So now it's hard for casting because I don't know how they're going to pare down. And I've had several former contestants - I won't throw anyone under the bus and say who - reach out already."

According to Buddy TV, the two names who were making "the most noise" were Becca Tilley and Tenley Molzahn. Tilley was the runner-up during Chris Soules' stint during season 19 and has been very vocal about her crush on Higgins. She even took to Twitter after the announcement of the next "Bachelor" for season 20, stating that he is exactly what she is looking.

As for Molzhan, rumors say that she and Higgins were dating before he accepted the offer to be on the show. Us Weekly reveals that the two had gone on a few dates, but called it quits due to Higgins' new gig. The 31-year-old reality star vet appeared on "The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love" and "Bachelor Pad" in 2010. Sources revealed that she is currently dating Joshua Albers from "Paradise" season 2.

During his interview with PEOPLE, Higgins was hopeful that his season would be ending with an engagement.

"I'm ready to share my life with somebody. And I'm not fearful of the idea of getting married. As soon as I can find that person, it seems like the better life will be. Ideally at the end of this, I will be proposing."

Season 20 is set to begin filming sometime this month and is expected to air January 2016.