(Photo by: ABC/Craig Sjodin)

ABC has named the next star of its most-popular franchise. Bachelorette contestant Zach Smallcross (above, right) is set to be at the center of season 27 of The Bachelor. The news was announced on last night’s Bachelorette finale by host Jesse Palmer (above, left). Season 27 of The Bachelor will kick off on January 23rd.

Here’s the official announcement from ABC:

ZACH SHALLCROSS NAMED ‘THE BACHELOR’ FOR SEASON 27
ABC Sets Premiere for Jan. 23, 2023

After a heartbreaking departure from Gabby and Rachel’s season of “The Bachelorette,” Zach Shallcross’ journey to find love will continue when he steps in as leading man for the upcoming 27th season of “The Bachelor.” Following an emotional realization about his future with Rachel, Shallcross won Bachelor Nation’s affection when he made the difficult decision to end his journey on “The Bachelorette.” The charismatic California native will begin handing out roses when the season premieres MONDAY, JAN. 23 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. Watch episodes on demand and on Hulu the day following their premieres.

The announcement was made by host Jesse Palmer during the emotional live finale of Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia’s season of “The Bachelorette.”

An endearing 26-year-old tech executive from Anaheim Hills, California, Shallcross stole Bachelor Nation’s heart on season 19 of “The Bachelorette” with his quiet charm, wit and openness to finding lasting love. Audiences saw Shallcross put himself and his desire to meet “the one” first when he made his emotional exit, opening the door for his “person” to walk through.

A family man at heart, Shallcross splits time between Texas and Orange County. His parents, who have been married over 30 years, have shown him what true love looks like. He strives to find a love that echoes the standard they have set for him, and he plans to keep them in mind when looking for a life partner. Home is where the heart is; and with the Bachelor mansion not too far away, Shallcross is eager to begin his journey back home in Southern California.

“The Bachelor” is a production of Next Entertainment and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon. Mike Fleiss, Martin Hilton, Nicole Woods, Bennett Graebner, Louis Caric, Peter Geist, Peter Gust, Tim Warner, Jodi Baskerville and Jeff Thomas are the executive producers.

What do you think? Have you been watching Smallcross on The Bachelorette on ABC? Are you looking forward to seeing him on The Bachelor in January?