Bachelor franchise alums -- including Nick Viall's friends, foes and exes -- are reacting to the shocking announcement Viall has been chosen as Season 21's The Bachelor star.
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Although Viall may have been viewed as a polarizing character on The Bachelor franchise, the 35-year-old software salesman was announced as the new Bachelor during Tuesday night's Bachelor in Paradise: After Paradise broadcast.
The reaction to Viall's new gig has been very positive for the most part. Even his rival on Bachelor in Paradise, Josh Murray, had something nice to say!
"Despite our differences I am truly happy 4 @viallnicholas28 everyone deserves love and he is no exception - this is your time, go find her!" Murray tweeted.
Viall's ex-girlfriend, former The Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe, also showed him some love. (She had dumped him in favor of her now-fiance Shawn Booth on Season 11).
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"I'm happy for him!" Bristowe told Us Weekly. "Everyone deserves to find someone. I hope it works out."
Amanda Stanton, who briefly dated Viall on Season 3 of Paradise but ended their romance once Murray arrived, tweeted, "4 is my lucky number! Hope it's yours too, @viallnicholas28! Congrats!"
The number "4" is referring to how Viall's last three serious relationships with Bristowe, Andi Dorfman and Jennifer Saviano didn't work out.
"I've been #TeamNick since day 1!!! so happy for my dear friend! Love ya buddy and best of luck! #TheBachelor," tweeted Viall's good friend Sarah Herron.
Ashley Iaconetti is also clearly excited for Viall.
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"When one of your closest friends and life mentor is THE FREAKINNNNN BACHELORRRRRR!!! OMG best surprise of my life @viallnicholas28!" Iaconetti gushed on Twitter.
Viall seems to be every Bachelor girl's best friend, as the twins Emily Ferguson and Haley Ferguson also adore him.
"Mind blown that you are the next bachelor," Emily captioned a photo on Instagram of Viall with the twins. "Whoever wins your heart is one lucky woman?? love you and literally cannot wait to watch your journey to finding your wifey! @nickviall #squadgoals #bachelornation."
You can always rely on former The Bachelorette villain JJ Lane from Bristowe's season for a good one-liner.
"With @viallnicholas28 as #TheBachelor, I can guarantee that Fantasy Suite gets a lot of use!" Lane tweeted, seemingly referring to how Viall had sex with both Bachelorettes on their respective seasons.
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On Wednesday, Viall responded to all his fans on Twitter.
"Wow! Couldn't be more Excited!! Still a bit nervous. It's going to be a wild ride. Thank you all for your support!! #TheBachelor," Viall wrote.
One person, however, definitely isn't supportive of Viall's journey on The Bachelor. No surprise here, it's JoJo Fletcher's ex Chad Johnson -- better known as "The Chad."
"Well I guess the new bachelor doesn't have to pretend he doesn't know he's good looking since you know.. He isn't #TheBachelor," Johnson sniped on Twitter.
"He's gonna be 36 while filming #TheBachelor. Over 10 years older than the girls... Does the wedding ring come with an AARP membership?"
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The Bachelor's next edition will premiere in January 2017.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski