Ben Higgins Explains Why He Took ‘DWTS’ Off The Table
Ben Higgins will not be a last minute add-on to the Dancing with the Stars cast, no matter how much fans want to see him there. The Bachelor star, who’s fresh on the heels of his second proposal to fiancé Lauren Bushnell, wants to concentrate on his engagement. According to Variety, Higgins said in a press call that he’s focusing on his life with Lauren now instead of worrying about what’s next as far as TV offers.
“My focus is not on what’s next. It’s on Lauren and I. Any decision that was made post show was based on what was best for us, and I believe that what’s best for us is to really concentrate on what’s best for us and to really spend as much time together as possible.”
Ben Higgins didn’t specifically mention DWTS by name, but he did allude to the fact that ABC was interested in having him join the cast of the celebrity ballroom competition.
“Right now, a lot of those requests come down through the ABC pipeline so, I don’t want to call it offers, but just people asking if I’m interested comes down from a group that is separate that me. Was I asked? I’m sure it was talked about.”
While Ben won’t be competing for the Mirrorball trophy, he did say that he and his lady love will definitely be watching the upcoming season of the star-studded dancing competition.
Ben Higgins was a rumored Dancing with the Stars contender even before his season of The Bachelor started airing in January. Late last year, Higgins was asked if he would ever consider joining DWTS. According to E! News, at the time, Higgins was still mulling over his options, but he definitely seemed open to hitting the ballroom.
“I think I’m excited about what experiences are next in life. Just like I never expected to be on The Bachelorette, I never expected to be the Bachelor, I don’t know what to expect next and I’m open to anything. I have a great life. I love my life here in Denver. I don’t want to chance my life, but if there’s opportunity to enhance it, I’m all for it!”
And earlier this month, Ben told E! Online that he was still analyzing his post-Bachelor options.
“I’m not against any opportunity that presents itself. I need to analyze if that option was there to say, OK, is this the best thing for me?” I don’t know yet, I don’t. I don’t want to say this is the way I’m going to go with it because I haven’t decided.”
While Ben Higgins decided to avoid the DWTS spotlight, several of his fellow Bachelor alums have taken that step. Ben’s Bachelor predecessor Chris Soules (Season 19) was partnered with pro dancer Witney Carson last year, while Sean Lowe (Season 17) danced with Peta Murgatroyd. In addition, Jake Pavelka (Season 14) was partnered with Chelsie Hightower during his DWTS stint.
And two female Bachelor alums hit the DWTS history books. The first Bachelorette star, Trista Sutter, actually appeared in the very first season of Dancing with the Stars and was, sadly, the very first celeb ever eliminated on the show. And Melissa Rycroft competed on the celeb dance-off twice, winning the coveted Mirrorball trophy on the All-Stars season with partner Tony Dovolani.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yL_PMZlWfM
Even though Ben Higgins won’t compete on Dancing with the Stars, it’s doubtful his life will go back to being completely private. Eagle-eyed fans will be watching Ben’s every move until he walks down the aisle with Lauren. And when they do say “I do,” expect that ABC’s cameras might get an invite.
Take a look at the video below to see Ben Higgins talking about what he’s planning to do next.
[Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images]
