This Is Not a Drill: ABC Chose the Next Bachelor

It’s official: The Bachelor has found its new star.

ABC has chosen Colton Underwood as the person who will lead season 23 of The Bachelor, as announced this morning on Good Morning America. After much deliberation, the network extended the offer to Underwood, and he happily agreed. You may remember him from Becca Kufrin’s season of The Bachelorette. He’s a former NFL player, dated Kufrin’s friend and former Bachelor contestant Tia Booth and is a self-proclaimed virgin. 

On GMA, he said he hopes his season “absolutely” ends with a proposal. “That’s what I’m looking for…” Underwood said. “Being engaged and then getting married shortly after that. I’m very excited. Third time’s the charm, that’s what they say, right? That’s what I’m hoping for!”

On Friday, Us Weekly reported that ABC was deliberating among Jason Tartick, Colton Underwood and Blake Horstmann, who all appeared on Kufrin’s season of The Bachelorette. Both Tartick and Underwood previously expressed interest in becoming the next Bachelor, while Horstmann has yet to speak out since the season 14 finale.

Move over, Claire. There’s a new Underwood in town.

RELATED: Becca Kufrin Still Has a ‘Soft Spot’ for Her Top Bachelor Pick