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‘The Bachelor’ 2017 Twist Was A Last-Minute Switch From Luke Pell To Nick Viall, Sources Reveal

By Heather Tooley
Published on: 08:26 PST, Aug 31, 2016

The Bachelor 2017 twist that played out on Tuesday night stunned fans when they learned that Nick Viall, not Luke Pell, was picked as the lead. All signs pointed to either Luke or Chase McNary from JoJo Fletcher’s season of The Bachelorette being selected for next season. What fans learned instead was that a two-time Bachelorette finalist and current Bachelor in Paradise cast member was named for the gig.

Perhaps, everyone assuming Luke Pell was the clear choice made producers shake things up. Luke was a proven fan favorite, had the perfect backstory, and embraced all of those qualities that make women swoon.

So, what happened?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBPyjdPp0hY

According to E! News, a source spills that a last-minute switch happened behind-the-scenes over who The Bachelor 2017 pick would be.

“In just the last few days, it totally switched,” said the source. “Nick’s closest friends and Bachelor in Paradise co-stars didn’t even know until moments before it was announced on After Paradise.”

A separate source who’s described as being close to Nick stated the same thing.

“It was completely a last minute decision that only came together in the past few days,” said the insider. “A very small handful of people knew. Nothing has been shot yet. There’s a lot that still needs to be figured out.”

The source continued that Nick is “low-key and chill to work with.” The E! insider added that Nick had a “great edit this season on BIP.”

Another source revealed that it was Nick Viall’s appearance on BiP that ultimately secured him as the pick for next season’s Bachelor.

“As Paradise started airing, he became a massive fan favorite,” explained the source. “He’s the villain who became a hero. It became a comeback story that was irresistible.”

It sounds as if Luke Pell might have been the choice that network producers had in mind going into next season’s Bachelor, but an unforeseen development occurred during the airing of BiP. It’s possible that the growing popularity of Nick on the show swayed their decision.

Yet another source raves to E! that The Bachelor 2017 format will be switched up as well. The source reveals that those running the show are fond of what Nick has to offer, and there are plans to mix things up.

“They liked what Nick brings to the table. He’s a little older, more mature,” the insider shares. “It will be a very different season than, say, [Ben Higgins’]. He’s comfortable being himself around women. He’s not afraid to have real conversations.”

Sources inform E! that they suspect another reason why Luke didn’t get the lead may have had to do with him getting a “big head” about being the front-runner.

Luke’s reaction to not being named The Bachelor was seen in an Instagram post with a message reading, “Thanks for all the love and support over the past few months, sometimes in life we are faced with unexpected changes. I’m happy to be back home in Nashville and so excited about what the future holds.”

Chase McNary was also disappointed he wasn’t chosen. He thanked everyone in a message he posted on Instagram for their support and said he trusts the right woman will come into his life when the time is right.

Chris Harrison told People magazine that Nick Viall was chosen as The Bachelor Season 21 lead because he was the most “sincere” and “deserving” of all the candidates. He summed it up by explaining that Nick never sought the coveted spot, and the producers believe fans are ready to see him finally win at finding love.

[Image via ABC]

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