Former Bachelor Jesse Palmer to host 'The Bachelor' in 2022
Former "Bachelor" star Jesse Palmer will return to the reality TV series as a host.
Palmer, who starred on the show in 2004, will helm season 26, which is set to air in early 2022, ABC confirmed Tuesday.
The frontrunner for that season has yet to be announced.
"For more than 20 years, 'The Bachelor' has brought the world dozens of unforgettable love stories, including at one time, my own," Palmer said in a statement. "Falling in love is one of life's greatest gifts, and I am humbled by the opportunity to return to the show as host this season to offer the newest Bachelor advice gained from firsthand experience and I am grateful to play a small part in his journey."
Longtime host Chris Harrison announced his departure from the franchise in June, three months after he said he'd be "stepping aside for a period of time" due to controversial remarks he'd made pertaining to race.
In the aftermath, author and former professional football player Emmanuel Acho hosted the "After the Final Rose" special for "The Bachelor" season 25, and former Bachelorettes Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams took the helm of "The Bachelorette" season 17. They will also host season 18 of "The Bachelorette." A rotating group of celebrities hosted "Bachelor in Paradise" for season 7.
