HUGE FAN FAVORITE BEN HIGGINS SEARCHES FOR LOVE AGAIN ON ABC'S HIT ROMANCE REALITY SERIES, "THE BACHELOR," WHEN IT RETURNS TO ABC IN JANUARY 2016 FOR ITS LANDMARK 20TH SEASON

Bachelor Nation was heartbroken when fan favorite Ben Higgins, the charming software salesman, was sent home by Kaitlyn Bristowe on the 11th edition of "The Bachelorette." Ben saw a "great life" with Kaitlyn, only to have it disappear before him when he was left without a rose. It wasn't easy for Ben to open himself up to love on "The Bachelorette" because he's been hurt in past relationships. However, now knowing he is capable of being in love and being loved, he is ready to put the heartbreak behind him as he searches for his one true love when he stars in the milestone 20th season of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelor," returning to ABC in January 2016. The announcement was made live tonight on ABC's "Bachelor in Paradise: After Paradise" show.

Ben grew up in the Indiana town of Warsaw in America's heartland. While Ben currently resides in Denver, Colorado, his heart will always be in Indiana with his family. Ben is the only son of loving, married parents David and Amy, a union that has been going strong for thirty-four years. He wants nothing more than to find the kind of love that his parents have. And he's ready. While only 26, Ben is wise beyond his years. An avid traveler and a champion of varied cultures, he has worked at a zoo in Peru, traveled through the jungles of Bolivia, and even hiked the spiritual trails of famed Machu Picchu.

Since appearing on "The Bachelorette," Ben's life has changed dramatically. Adoring fans approach him in restaurants and young women wait outside his house for a chance to meet him. While his life has changed, Ben hasn't. He's still the same, big-hearted man looking for someone to share his life with.

This successful, sensitive and handsome 6'4" bachelor loves basketball, hiking, fishing, and stimulating conversation. He almost has it all. Now he just needs the right woman to love, and for her to love him back. And he truly believes he will find his soul mate on "The Bachelor."

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "The Bachelor" is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss is the executive producer.

"The Bachelor" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with stereo sound.