The head execs at ABC threw in a ringer this season when it was revealed former Bachelorette contestant Arie Luyendyk would be the next Bachelor…five years after competing for Emily Maynard’s heart. Rumors have been swirling that the Scottsdale native has been considered for the coveted title before, but this year he finally sealed the deal. Some viewers that have jumped on the Bachelor Nation bandwagon in the past few years don’t even know who Arie is, but the OGs are pumped. Arie is the real deal. Keep reading for everything you need to know about this silver fox!
1. He’s a millionaire.
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The 35-year-old bachelor continued his father’s legacy and became a race car driver. After a respected career, and competing in the Indy 500, Arie shifted gears from Formula One racing to selling homes as a realtor. Celebrity Net Worth clocked his net worth in at $4 million. Seems like a successful millionaire is step-up from the “influencers” that were in the running for this season’s lead. *cough* Dean *cough*
2. He was the runner-up on Emily Maynard’s season of ‘The Bachelorette.’
For anyone who watched this season, Arie seemed like a lock. Emily looked to be totally into him and couldn’t keep her eyes, or her lips, off of him. They had very in depth and emotional conversations about what their life would look like together. Shockingly, Emily broke his heart and sent him packing before becoming engaged to Jef Holm the next day. Spoiler Alert: They broke up too.
3. His nickname is “The Kissing Bandit”
Arie was given this title thanks to his many steamy makeout sessions with Emily during her season. Up against the wall, in the middle of a conversation, in multiple countries… you get the idea. In her 2012 blog for People.com, Emily seemed to confirm his smooching skills by saying, “Not only is Arie a gorgeous man, but he has a heart of gold, and he is a great kisser.”
4. He’s got beef with Jef Holm
The former friends don’t seem to be so friendly anymore. In series of tweets, Jef Holm, expressed how he feels about Arie becoming The Bachelor. He also alluded that he had stories to tell. Yikes! Stay tuned I guess?
