![Zach Shallcross](https://pagesix.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/zach-Shallcross-next-bachelor_77.jpg?w=1024)
Zach Shallcross named ‘The Bachelor’ Season 27 lead
Life is looking rosy for Zach Shallcross.
ABC named the “Bachelorette” Season 19 contestant its next “Bachelor” Tuesday night.
“This is pretty incredible,” the tech executive, 26, told host Jesse Palmer during the dramatic “Bachelorette: After the Final Rose” special before meeting the first five women from his cast.
“I’m obviously really nervous, but honestly, this is a once-in-a-lifetime, awesome, incredible opportunity,” he added.
The confirmation comes one week after Page Six reported that the network was eyeing Shallcross as its Season 27 lead.
“He’s been a front-runner for a while,” a source close to production exclusively told us. “There’s no denying that the audience loves him.”
The Anaheim Hills, Calif., native made it far into the competition for Rachel Recchia’s heart, through they hit a bump in their romance during the pivotal fantasy suites week in Mexico.
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Shallcross revealed that Recchia, also 26, considered dumping him over his age during a conversation that occurred off-camera.
“Rachel brought up her fear that maybe I’m not ready for a commitment of marriage at this early of an age,” he said.
Shallcross was 25 at the time of filming, while Recchia was 26.
“I’m like, ‘Don’t worry about that. I’m here for you,’” he continued. “But she got really adamant. I’m like … ‘Are you making me second-guess?’ It was a surprise. It was like we were two strangers.”
![Zach Shallcross](https://pagesix.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/zach-Shallcross-next-bachelor_76.jpg)
Though Shallcross expressed disappointment in Recchia — saying he was “gut-punched” by her “f–ked” assessment — the two were able to end their relationship in a cordial manner on the reality show’s latest installment.
According to Shallcross’ “Bachelorette” bio, he is more than ready for a long-term commitment. ABC’s website describes him as an “old-fashioned romantic” who has “a huge heart that he is so ready to share forever with the right woman.”
Variety reported that Nate Mitchell — who vied for the affections of Recchia’s “Bachelorette” co-lead, Gabby Windey — was a “Bachelor” contender before the single father’s questionable dating history became a hot topic on social media.
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Shallcross appeared to film his “Bachelor” intro package in Austin, Texas — where he currently lives — as seen in video footage recently shared by spoiler king Reality Steve.
“As we know plans can always change last minute…but I feel confident in reporting that the next Bachelor is going to be Zach Shallcross,” the blogger wrote in a follow-up tweet.
“The Bachelor” Season 27 will likely premiere in early 2023 on ABC.