ABC announced the new leading man for The Bachelor franchise on Good Morning America on Thursday—stunning #BachelorNation with Season 8 contestant Arie Luyendyk Jr., who last appeared on the franchise in 2012. “This is pretty surreal,” he told People. “It doesn’t really feel real yet, but I’m taking it step by step. The timing is just so perfect in my life. I could not be more excited for this journey I’m about to embark on.” The 35-year-old was first introduced on the show when he tried to find love with The Bachelorette’s Emily Maynard. Luyendyk Jr. is a professional auto-racing driver turned real-estate agent.
