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Could you imagine The Bachelor without Chris Harrison? The beloved host currently guides us through The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and The Bachelor in Paradise, as well as every variation since the inception of the show. However, former bachelor, Ben Higgins, might be giving our host a run for his money.  

Chris Harrison and Ben Higgins
Chris Harrison and Ben Higgins | Rick Rowell/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

What is former bachelor, Ben Higgins up to since his season of ‘The Bachelor’?

We met Higgins on Kaitlyn Bristowe’s season of The Bachelorette before he went on to star in season 20 as The Bachelor, which began Jan. 4, 2016. He gave Lauren Bushnell the final rose, she accepted, and the two were engaged for 14 months. 

Following their season on The Bachelor, the couple went on to star in a spinoff on FreeForm TV, Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After? However, the continued reality TV did not help their relationship. On May 15, 2017, the pair broke off their engagement.

Higgins revealed in February 2019 that he was dating a new woman, Jessica Clarke, who is a University of Mississippi graduate. 

Higgins also has another new show. He will be hosting The Bachelor Live On Stage, which comes to your hometown and features one eligible bachelor or bachelorette from your city.

Why are viewers wondering if Ben Higgins will take over for Chris Harrison?

Higgins is going on tour with The Bachelor Live On Stage, and he is going to play the role of Harrison. He will help the eligible bachelor through various dating scenarios and rose ceremonies. In the end, Higgins will assist this hometown bachelor in narrowing it down to one woman. 

“No, he’s not gonna be there,” Higgins said regarding Harrison during an interview with SBNation. “I think Chris Harrison referred to me the last time we did an interview together as his mini-me.”

The former bachelor is ready and excited to have his own show. 

“I’m pushing for it,” he continues. “I’m trying hard. Every day, ‘…you should just retire,’ he tells Harrison. “But he won’t be there. It’ll be Becca [Kufrin] and I co-hosting.”

We know the star is half-joking, but it is clear that he would love to take over for him as the host.

Is Chris Harrison retiring from ‘The Bachelor’? 

Last year, on Jan. 7, 2019, The Bachelor opened their season premiere with a tribute to Harrison’s 17 years hosting the series. Harrison’s mom, Mary Beth, helped introduce the video, which chronicled everything since the host started the show in 2002. 

It was such a beautiful video that it made fans question whether Harrison was about to retire. It was the type of tribute that one gets right at the end of their career. However, Harrison and the producers quickly told fans that he is not retiring. 

Sadly for Higgins, it looks like Harrison is sticking around, for now at least. You can catch Harrison hosting new episodes of The Bachelor Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. You can score tickets to see Higgins hosting The Bachelor Live on Stage beginning Feb. 13, 2020, in Mesa, AZ by clicking here. 

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