After months of anticipation and speculation, ABC announced today that Chris Soules will star in the next edition of its hit reality series, “The Bachelor.”
Soules, who made it to the final three men vying for the affections of Andi Dorfman on “The Bachelorette,” before being sent home before the final rose ceremony, says he "absolutely" believes he can find love again on TV.
"That's why I'm doing it," Soules, 32, said today on "Good Morning America." "I believe in the process. I believe in what I went through on the previous show and that's why I'm doing it."
"I wouldn't do it if I didn't feel like that was a potential," he said.
Since his appearance on "The Bachelorette," Soules, a farmer from Arlington, Iowa, has apparently been besieged by female admirers, one of whom was so ardent that she drove hundreds of miles just to knock on his door. Another professed her love for him by taking out an ad in Soules' local paper.
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Soules described himself as "humbled" to be asked to return to "The Bachelor" franchise.
"Coming from a small town, I'd never really expected to have this opportunity to be on either show, let alone be the lead on 'The Bachelor,' so it's been awesome," Soules said. "I'm humbled, flattered, grateful."
Soules studied agronomy and agriculture at Iowa State University and used his skills to expand the family business.
"I was able to tell my parents and my family and I know they were extremely excited for me," Soules said. "Everybody's been very supportive."
Soules, a self-proclaimed romantic who has been engaged once before, said he is going to enter "The Bachelor" with one goal in mind.
"My focus is going to be to make the girls that are on the show as comfortable as possible because that was my first initial challenge, was opening up to Andi," he said. "I'm going to do my best."
"I think I'll do well," Soules said.
On "GMA" today, Soules was surprised with his favorite guilty pleasure food: Double-Stuffed Oreos. Check out more fun facts about the new "Bachelor" below!
Guilty Pleasure: Double-Stuffed Oreos
Favorite Movie: “Meet The Parents”Favorite Song: “I Don't Dance,” by Lee Brice
First Celebrity Crush: Jennifer Aniston
Worst Fashion Faux-Pas: Tight-rolled jeans
Most Recent Purchase: Honda ATV