The Bachelor star has yet to be announced -- or maybe even determined -- by ABC executives and show producers, but Jared Haibon has a favorite for the role.
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Both Jared and Ben got their start on reality TV by competing for Kaitlyn Bristowe's heart on The Bachelorette's eleventh season.
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They subsequently made mutual friends, such as Ashley Iaconetti, who is engaged to Jared and hosts a podcast with Ben.
Jared's opinion isn't meant to diss any of Becca Kufrin's exes, however.
"[Blake Horstmann] and [Jason Tartick] all seem nice and would make great Bachelors, but obviously I would like to see Ben Higgins because of the simple fact that we're friends and it would be fun to watch," Jared explained of the 29-year-old former software salesman from Denver, CO.
Ashley is clearly good pals with Ben as well, but she has admitted on The Ben and Ashley I: Almost Famous Podcast that she'd like to see Jason the banker become The Bachelor's next leading man.
Jared isn't the only person who would like to see Ben find his perfect match following his difficult breakup from The Bachelor's Season 20 winner, Lauren Bushnell.
According to ABC executive Robert Mills, Ben is actually a great option for The Bachelor's 23rd edition, which is slated to premiere in January 2019.
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"I think Ben Higgins is always somebody who we would consider," Robert told E! News last week.
"As long as the timing is right for him and for us too, but if he's ready... obviously everybody wants to see Ben happy and finding love."
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Robert added, however, there are about six serious contenders for the position.
Ben and Lauren got engaged at the end of his The Bachelor edition back in early 2016, but the couple announced their split in May 2017.
The demise of Ben and Lauren's relationship was chronicled on Freeform's Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After? spinoff, when Ben was shown getting cold feet and canceling their televised wedding.
Lauren has said communication broke down in their relationship and she also appeared to struggle adjusting to life in Denver when her friends were back in Los Angeles, CA.
If Ben does get selected as The Bachelor star, he'll be following in Brad Womack's footsteps, who had starred on both Season 11 and Season 15 of the franchise. Even Lauren admitted to Us Weekly that Ben would make a great Bachelor again because he's sincere and deserves to find somebody.
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In addition to Ben, other frontrunners for The Bachelor role reportedly are Blake, Jason, Peter Kraus, Joe Amabile, and Colton Underwood. An official announcement is expected to be made within the next month or so.
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About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
