Get out there and start collecting roses! The Bachelorette’s Zach Shallcross has officially been announced as season 27’s Bachelor.
“I’m ready to find my person, my best friend,” Zach told Jesse PalmerOn After the Final Rose, noting that he spent “a ton of time” with his family after his split from Rachel Recchia. “I want to tell [my contestants]You should be ready to fall in love with the person you are entering. … Be open to finding love.”
Speculations that the tech executive could be the next star of the reality series started earlier in the month. VarietyAccording to reports, ABC was planning to air a season 19 BacheloretteThe next season will be led by an alum.
Rumours continued to swirl when the 26-year old was reportedly arrested appeared to be filming an intro videoSaturday, September 17th in Austin, Texas. In footage taken of the clip, Zach can be heard telling producers he’s excited. “This time around it’s going to be different,” he added.
Bachelor Nation first met Zach on the July 11 premiere of Rachel and Gabby Windey’sSeason of The Bachelorette. He quickly made a connection with the pilot, 26 years old, and graciously accepted her rose during Episode 2.
Later, Zach made headlines during the hometown dates when he made the decision to exit the season early following an awkward fantasy suite date night — where he claimed that Rachel acted differently behind closed doors.
“It was just her and I talking, and it felt like she was just, like, not showing her true self. It was very inauthentic sometimes,” he told the host at the time. Zach also noted that he felt “blindsided” by many of Rachel’s actions including harping on their six-month age difference and not believing he would follow through with proposing.
Zach shared his feelings and disappointment with the Illinois native after he had shared them with her.
“Her response — it felt so cold. I thought, maybe, that I meant more,” he said prior to his exit. “One of the things I fell in love with was she made me feel, like, special. And I cared for her, and I question if any of that was real or if that was just an act.”
Although Zach may not have found Rachel his perfect match, he is still searching for a woman who is kind, compassionate, and ready to romance him. According to his official ABC bio, contestants of The Bachelor season 27 can look forward to him laying it on thick and “planning thoughtful surprises.”
“Zach is serious about finding a love that will lead to marriage, so whatever grand romantic gesture it takes for him to get there, he’s ready to go!” his bio reads.
Scroll down to learn more about season 27’s new Bachelor:
