Grant Ellis has revealed when he found out he was officially cast on The Bachelor and if he hesitated to accept the starring role.

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Hours after Jenn Tran was shown breaking Grant's heart on The Bachelorette's 21st season during the show's August 12 episode, ABC announced Grant will be handing out roses of his own when he stars on The Bachelor for Season 29 airing in early 2025.

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"I found out a couple of weeks ago," Grant shared during the August 15 episode of "The Viall Files" podcast.

"The producers called me and they asked me if I'd be interested," he added.

The 30-year-old day trader and former professional basketball player from Houston, TX, apparently had no reservations about serving as the franchise's next leading man.

"I jumped on it and I was like, 'Yeah of course!'" Grant admitted to former The Bachelor star Nick Viall.

"I was still recovering from [The Bachelorette] season and what happened with Jenn, and they called me. I was super interested and I was excited for it. So that's how I found out."

Grant said while it's "unfortunate" things didn't work out with Jenn, whom he really cared about and was falling for, he'll now have the chance to write his own love story.

"And that's something I'm interested in," Grant noted.

Grant confessed that he "didn't really expect" producers to call him and offer him The Bachelor gig.

"I know a lot of people say that, but I'm taking it head on. I'm going in here with an open heart and an open mind, and I'm excited!" Grant shared.

Before appearing on Jenn's The Bachelorette season, Grant apparently watched a few The Bachelor seasons: Season 21 starring Nick, Season 26 starring Clayton Echard, and Season 28 starring Joey Graziadei.

"I [watched] on Amazon [long after they aired]," Grant confessed.

"I was just learning, but now I'm a fan and I'm telling you, I'll be watching all the seasons to come. It's definitely something that I'm a part of now, and I'll be embracing it with open arms."

Grant predicted that starring on The Bachelor will make him "a better person" in life.

"I am confident that my person will be there. Whichever way it goes... the ultimate goal is to come out with my wife, and to come out of the experience having learned new things about myself and with the woman I'm going to ultimately be with," he concluded.

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When Grant was announced as The Bachelor star, he shared on Good Morning America that he hopes to find a love that is "kind and understanding."

In terms of the specific qualities he'd like to find in his partner, Grant said, "I'm looking for... somebody who is adventurous, somebody who is affectionate, and somebody who is loving."

ABC also revealed that Grant wants a woman who values loyalty and has a good sense of humor. His ideal partner will additionally have a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

Since the early announcement of Grant's The Bachelor casting surprised many fans, ABC executive Rob Mills took to social media on August 12 to explain producers' decision.

"We are announcing Grant so quickly so people can still apply to be on his season," Rob wrote via X, which was formerly called Twitter.

"If you think Grant is potentially the man of your dreams or you know someone who is apply ASAP!!!"

Grant will be the second Black Bachelor of the franchise, following in Season 25 star Matt James' footsteps.

Jenn was shown rejecting Grant on The Bachelorette at the Rose Ceremony preceding hometown dates in Seattle, WA.

"I feel empty right now. Jenn is a great woman and I expressed my love for her. I poured everything out and it wasn't good enough," Grant lamented in his final words, fighting back tears.

"It just sucks knowing that you feel some way about somebody, and they don't feel the same about you."

Grant seemed to sincerely want to find a life partner with whom he can settle down and one day have children.

"I want a family, you know? I want to be happy. I want a wife. I want to be in love," Grant shared with The Bachelorette cameras.

"I want that, you know? I want to give everything to somebody, and I want them to give everything to me in return. I don't know what else to say. I did not think that was going to happen tonight."

Grant is an adventurous self-proclaimed "mama's boy," who has an "infectious smile and unwavering positivity," according to ABC.

"[He] instantly brightens every room he enters," ABC wrote in a press release.

The former pro basketball player enjoys working in finance, cheering on the Lakers in the NBA, hitting strikes at the bowling alley, and singing karaoke at night.

The Bachelor's 29th season is expected to begin filming this fall and premiere in January 2025.

The premiere date and cast of bachelorettes for Grant's The Bachelor season will be announced at a later date.

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Grant will hopefully find his happily ever after on The Bachelor.

Last season, Joey got engaged to Kelsey Anderson on The Bachelor's Season 28 finale, which aired in March on ABC, and the couple is still together and in love.

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About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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