Arie Luyendyk Jr. is the Newest Bachelor

Arie Luyendyk Jr. will be leading man on season 22 of ABC's hit show The Bachelor.

Bachelor Nation, start your engines! We are proud to announce the next Bachelor will be....@ariejr! ------ pic.twitter.com/PTCKToIIrM

— The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) September 7, 2017

The 35-year-old was the runner-up on Emily Maynard's season of The Bachelorette (season 8 in 2012). 

WATCH: Arie Luyendyk Jr. discusses becoming the new Bachelor with @michaelstrahan.@ariejr @BachelorABC #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/9d6KYLZz6y

— Good Morning America (@GMA) September 7, 2017

Apparently, PEOPLE reports that this was not the first time Luyendyk Jr. was approached to star in the show. He was originally tapped for season 19 of the show, which featured Chris Soules instead. 

There were reports yesterday that the producers of the show were scrambling to find a leading man for the upcoming season of the show. 

Arie's season of The Bachelor will premiere in Janaury 2018 on ABC.