This week’s episode of The Bachelorette not only revealed Kaitlyn Bristowe’s final two suitors, it also seemingly pointed viewers to the direction of the next Bachelor. Many fans are already rooting for recently eliminated suitor Ben Higgins to hand out roses next season while multiple sources tell E! News that the 26-year-old has already been chosen by producers as the next Bachelor. Find out what Bachelor Nation thinks:

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Chris Harrison’s Yahoo Blog: “Seeing Ben go was tough. He had actually made huge leaps with Kaitlyn in recent weeks, but it was too little, and too late. But I’m not too worried about him. I think he’s going to be fine and I’m sure he’s going to end up with an amazing woman before too long.”

Jillian Harris’ Blog: “I actually have to say, I am SOOOOO bummed she let Ben go, I honestly truly thought it was going to be between Ben and Shawn from here on in… but OH WELL THERE IS ALWAYS THE BACHELOR!!! (wink wink wink!!)” 

Ali Fedotowsky’s Blog: “We said goodbye to Ben last night. Don’t go crying any tears for him just yet. I am almost certain he will be the next Bachelor. He’s cute, wholesome, and good at expressing his feelings. And, it seem like America adores him. But what I’m concerned about is whether or not he is too wholesome? The reason I liked Kaitlyn so much as the Bachelorette is because she is a fire cracker and unpredictable. Would Ben be boring? I don’t know. Don’t get me wrong, I think he is the sweetest thing ever, but I don’t know if he could carry the show. But then again, the drama of the show is really all about the contestants. And yes, I realize E! Online is reporting the Ben is in fact the next Bachelor. I know for a fact that nothing has been signed yet and the article is simply speculating that Ben is ABC’s guy. We’ll know for sure when we watch After the Final Rose. “

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Meanwhile, Ben Higgins tells Entertainment Tonight that “conversations [about being the next Bachelor] haven’t happened yet” with ABC. However, he did say that he’s open to the idea.

“The opportunity is a great one and from a 30,000 foot view I would have to consider it,” Higgins revealed.

If Higgins does become the next Bachelor, he will continue the reality dating franchise’s casting stretch of third runner ups. Kaitlyn Bristowe was the third runner up on The Bachelor season 19 starring Chris Soules, who’s  the third runner up of Andi Dorfman on The Bachelorette season 10. Dorfman was also the third runner up on The Bachelor season 18 featuring Juan Pablo Galavis.

Do you want Ben Higgins to be the next Bachelor?

(Image courtesy of ABC)

Dean Bextor

Staff Writer, BuddyTV