Ben Smith is emerging as one of Tayshia Adams' frontrunners on The Bachelorette's currently-airing sixteenth season.
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Ben is a 29-year-old Army Ranger veteran from Venice, CA.
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Upon first seeing Tayshia, Ben called her "beautiful" and said producers couldn't have picked a better leading lady. He found Tayshia "captivating."
When Tayshia got to know Ben better, she confessed that she was attracted to him and he made her nervous. Ben explained he's always been "a relationship guy" and ended a relationship two years prior to the show that he thought was going to last forever.
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Ben admitted the breakup "destroyed" him and so he stopped dating for a while, but he has begun developing genuine feelings for Tayshia on the show -- feelings he hadn't felt in awhile prior to filming.
After Ben kissed Tayshia during a sweet moment together, she gushed, "I'm smitten by Ben. There's something about that boy. I like him."
Until viewers can watch more of Ben and Tayshia's love story unfold on The Bachelorette, let's learn a little bit more about him right now.
Below is a list of six facts Reality TV World has compiled about Ben Smith.
At heart, Ben is a Midwestern boy
Although Ben currently resides in California, he is originally from Noblesville, IN.ADVERTISEMENT
Ben has one younger sister Madalyn and appears to be very close with her. Madalyn has called Ben an "incredible role model" and "the best big brother" ever on her Instagram account.
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Ben made a major career shift after his military service
The Army Ranger veteran graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point followed by The United States Army Ranger School.But after suffering a serious back injury, Ben decided not to return to active duty and later became a personal trainer due to his passion for health and nutrition.
What is Ben looking for in a relationship?
Ben says he wants a wife who can openly communicate and stay emotionally available.ADVERTISEMENT
Ben is looking for a woman who can keep up with him on the dance floor or at least be willing to cheer him on when he jumps in the middle of a dance battle to show off his moves.
Ben considers himself to be pretty romantic
Ben loves to show affection to a woman he cares about by writing love letters, and he once flew across the country to see a girl he had never met in person before.RELATED LINK: 'THE BACHELOR' COUPLES NOW: WHO DID 'THE BACHELOR' STARS AND THEIR BACHELORETTE PICKS ACTUALLY END UP MARRYING? (PHOTOS)
The Bachelorette host says Ben is "a wonderful guy"
The Bachelorette host Chris Harrison gushed about Ben when announcing the cast for Clare Crawley's season before Season 16 premiered."This guy is the gentle giant of the season -- incredibly nice, big talker and long talker. When you get Ben going, it's hard to get him to stop," Chris shared.
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"But he has an incredible story and has [given] unbelievable service to our country. Thank you, Ben. It was really a pleasure and an honor to get to know this gentleman."
Chris added, "[He's] well-liked and kind of a natural leader in the house. Guys really look up to him."
Ben runs a subscription fitness program
Ben is a coach on a subscription service called Bodybuilding Club, which members can join for $49 per month. The program includes strength, hypertrophy and conditioning work.Bodybuilding Club also includes an app that allows members to participate from anywhere on their own terms.
Ben's description on the website says he "loves smiling and talking to everyone" and would like to get clients into "shorter shorts."
"Might just date a girl on TV," he added.
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