Many fans of "The Bachelor" franchise were shocked with ABC's big reveal that their next star would be the 35-year-old entrepreneur Nick Viall. Viall has already appeared three times on the show, twice on "The Bachelorette" and once on "Bachelor in Paradise." Despite negative feedback, filming for the hit reality show -- which will premiere in early 2017 -- has already started in Wisconsin.
ABC's choice for its new "Bachelor" was greeted with mixed reactions given Viall's history on the show. He was notable for revealing his intimate moments with "The Bachelorette" stars Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe on national television
In a statement to People, Viall expressed that he felt deeply for both ladies and that "there was a good chance" that they would end up together. Aside from his history with the former "Bachelorettes," he also broke it off with Jen Saviano in the rose ceremony of "Bachelor in Paradise" season 3.
Fans may recall that in "The Bachelor in Paradise" season 3, Saviano had "mixed feelings" about Viall being the next star of the show but she has already moved on. There were also rumors that Viall dumped Saviano when the network approached him with an offer.
Shortly after "Bachelor in Paradise" finale, the network announced that Viall would be the new star of "The Bachelor" franchise. Fans believed that the next "Bachelor" would either be Luke Dorfman or Chase McNary, both were JoJo Fletcher's castoffs in "The Bachelorette." There were even rumors that Luke already signed a deal with ABC.
After the official announcement of the new "Bachelor," Luke went to thank his fans on Instagram, citing that the timing just wasn't right for him. McNary also reacted on Instagram stating that he hasn't given up on love although he would be searching for it outside the ABC reality show.
As of date, filming of newest season's introductory scenes already started in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Despite the controversies, many fans are still excited to see Viall try to find love among the 25 lucky ladies in "The Bachelor" season 21.
