Ben Higgins was officially announced as the next Bachelor by host Chris Harrison last Monday. Higgins, who is the second runner up in Kaitlyn Bristowe's season of "The Bachelorette" was chosen over other contenders including Nick Viall, who was the runner-up in both Bristowe's and Andy Dorfman's season of the hit ABC reality show.
The official announcement was made after Monday's episode of "Bachelor in Paradise" in an after-show special, "After Paradise." According to E! News, Harrison initially brought out Viall and asked him whether he was ready for his life to change. Harrison then thanked him for being on the show before announcing the real Bachelor, and a smiling Higgins walked in and gave Harrison a hug.
Higgins told Harrison that he remembered one piece of advice that he gave him before he left, and that was to use the opportunity that he gained on the show to "enhance the life you already have." The 26-year old said that so far, he has kept things "normal" in his life and has continued working at the company where he's employed as a software salesman.
On Monday, Higgins took to Twitter to ask his followers to watch the upcoming season "with an open mind."
"This is real and I am excited to share it with you all," he added.
Before his stint on "The Bachelorette," Higgins has been a regular volunteer at church camp and even did some faith-based volunteer work in Peru. Heavy.com reports that Higgins is a Christian and that his faith is very important to him.
On Tuesday, Aug. 25, Higgins went on "Good Morning America" where he said that he never expected such an opportunity would be offered to him.
"Last night, while I was flying here, was my first time in a first-class lounge. I had no idea those things existed."
Season 20 of "The Bachelor" premieres in January 2016.
