After weeks of speculation, ABC has finally revealed that the next Bachelor will be former race car driver Arie Luyendyk Jr. The Bachelorette alum famously vied for Emily Maynard‘s final rose in 2012.

Arie, 35, nearly nabbed the role on the reality dating competition last year but the honor ultimately went to Nick Viall. The announcement was made Thursday morning on Good Morning America. However, the news does come as a surprise to Bachelor Nation — who was rooting for Rachel Lindsay‘s runner-up Peter Kraus.

Earlier this summer, sources told Bachelor blogger Reality Steve that the personal trainer was the top choice from the network — despite his unwillingness to propose at the finale. “I feel confident in reporting that sources are telling me Peter is the next Bachelor & it will be announced soon,” he tweeted. “I’m aware of last min switch ups in the past, but I don’t believe that’s happening this time. He’s been the guy they’ve wanted since Day 1.”

Deal of the Day Blue Bathing suit 4-7-24

Deal of the Day

This ‘Slimming’ Suit is Just $16 Today! View Deal

And RS even had some words for skeptics. “If your take is ‘Why is he the Bachelor if he couldn’t propose to Rachel in that short of time,’ then you don’t know how this show works.” Creator Mike Fleiss quickly dashed those dreams when he provided this major hint for fans.

“Unfortunately, Peter will probably not be #TheBachelor,” Mike tweeted. He has also eliminated top contenders Wells Adams and Nick from the list, as well as any suitor from JoJo Fletcher‘s season of The Bachelorette before Arie’s name was revealed. Who’s ready for Season 22 with Arie?

Love The Bachelorette? Be sure to join our Bachelorette Facebook group to chat about all the latest updates, exclusive interviews, and juicy gossip!