Despite reports to the contrary, only Chris Soules and Arie Luyendyk Jr. are in the running for season 19 of The Bachelor, which will be filmed later this year and premiere on ABC in January 2015.
That’s according to Reality Steve, who disputed the latest from Bachelor producer Mike Fleiss. Fleiss recently said that Marquel Martin and even longtime host Chris Harrison are in the running. There have been rumors that Nick Viall, the runner-up last season, could also be the next Bachelor.
“There are no other candidates besides Chris and Arie. No matter what Mike Fleiss tweets, or anything else you hear on social media, they are decided between those two,” Steve said in his latest blog post.
“Marquel was never in the running, and neither was/is Nick. It was always Chris, they added Arie for God knows what reason, and that’s who it’s between. Don’t expect an official announcement this month. But do expect it to be spoiled.”
Luyendyk Jr., the runner-up on season 8 of The Bachelorette, recently wrote a blog post that claims he had his heart opened by a waitress at Cracker Barrel and a Baptist mechanic.
But most readers weren’t buying it.
“Puh-lease! He is really pulling the wool over some of your eyes. Anyone who is thinking that Arie would be a good bachelor, read Courtney Robertson’s book. In there she says they hooked up, WHILE HE WAS DATING ANOTHER GIRL. Not to mention he also hooked up with Selma Alameri from The Bachelor,” said one user.
“Arie is desperate to stay in the spotlight.This guy is a cheater and womanizer and not someone to put as the lead for Bachelor. Mike, please do not do this to us... CHOOSE CHRIS! The show is about finding love, and you would lose a lot of viewers choosing such a ... man.”
“I’m not buying this load of bull crap arie is dishing..all I read is someone so desperate for fame that he would stoop this low to get it. Arie your 15 mins are over get a real job and stop begging to be the next bachelor. Courtney confirmed what everyone already knew about you. You’re a player,” added another.
Not everyone was on the same page, though. “That is so incredibly sweet. I am watching back some Arie’s scenes on Emily’s season and recall how funny, down to earth and sincere he was. Team Arie for sure!” said one user.
