J.T. Torregiani reportedly doesn't want to serve as The Bachelor's next star because of the time it would take to film the ABC reality dating series, but it also has something to do with rekindling a romantic connection with ex Paula Abdul.
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"Maybe he doesn't need to look for love on TV when he's got Paula in his life," a source close to the couple told People in a Friday report.
The 33-year-old nightclub owner and 45-year-old American Idol judge are attempting to rekindle their romantic relationship after they split last month.
"They're taking it slow, testing the waters," the source told People, adding Torregiani and Abdul saw a movie together in Sherman Oaks, CA last weekend. "They've gone on a few friendly dates."
Torregiani and Abdul first met in April 2007 following an Idol taping and began dating as the sixth-season wrapped its broadcast run last May. The couple moved in together last October and continued dating before calling it quits.
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Earlier this month The New York Post reported Torregiani was "asked to star in The Bachelor a couple of years ago, but he got together with Paula so he didn't do it."
Since the couple split he was reportedly being courted to star in The Bachelor's thirteenth installment, which is currently slated to air as part of ABC's 2008-2009 midseason primetime programming lineup.
However those plans have apparently been scrapped again, the source told People, because Torregiani isn't sure he wants to "leave for three months" to film the show (although The Bachelor typically only takes six weeks to shoot).
Regardless, he also recently opened his latest business venture -- the Latin-themed restaurant Beso -- meaning he has more free time to spend with Abdul.
"He wants to date her again," the source told People. "JT thinks she's a sweetheart. They have good chemistry."
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ABC Entertainment president Stephen McPherson told reporters at a June 16 Television Critics Association summer press tour appearance that the network was still searching for The Bachelor's next star.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio