ABC Confirms Sean Lowe as Next 'BACHELOR'

People.com reports exclusively that last season's 'Bachelorette' contestant Sean Lowe will be the next single guy to take a stab at love on ABC's THE BACHELOR when the series returns next season. 

The Dallas businessman made it to the final three on last season's BACHELORETTE but had his heart broken when Emily Maynard sent him home after falling in love with current fiancé Jef Holm. Lowe told people, "I was standing at that rose ceremony thinking I was going to marry her."

The announcement comes amidst persistent rumors that the next Bachelor could be Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky's ex-fiancé Roberto Martinez or recent gold-medal OlympIan Ryan Lochte.

Lowe revealed to People that he was very open to the prospect of finding love on the romantic reality series,  "I'm an open-minded optimist, and I believe the process can work. If I found my wife, it would be worth it."

Production is currently underway for the 17th season of the reality dating series which will debut in January 2013. 

Photo courtesy of ABC