New 'Bachelor' Named 2013: Ladies, Introducing Sean Lowe, Former 'Bachelorette' Fan Favorite

ABC has officially announced the name of its new "The Bachelor" contestant for 2013 - 28-year-old Dallas "businessman and entrepreneur" (as well as a former fan-favorite on the hit reality dating show, "The Bachelorette"), Sean Lowe. The insurance salesman-turned-owner of an upscale, custom furniture business will star in the 17^th season of the hit show "The Bachelor" which premieres in January 2013.

During "The Bachelorette" season featuring single-lady-looking-for-love Emily Maynard, Lowe quickly became a fan favorite and even made it to the top three in the romance competition. In a recent poll conducted by PopWatch, more than two-thirds of fan voters said that they wished Lowe had won (Maynard ultimately chose Mormon Jef Holm, the two are now engaged), while 28 percent went with, "No. I want to still like him, which will be impossible after the show."

US Weekly reports that "The Bachelor" host Chris Harrison let it slip at the Emmy Awards on Sunday in L.A. that Lowe's first rose ceremony would be shot the following day (Monday, Sept. 24).

Check out this description of Lowe offered in a recent ABC press release:

 "The 6'3" bachelor went to Kansas State on a full football scholarship and, as a linebacker, was part of the 2003 Big 12 Conference Championship Team. Sean also received a Bachelor of Science degree in social science. Although he started off his career in finance, he followed in his father's footsteps in the insurance industry before committing to his new enterprise, owning and running an upscale, custom furniture business.

Sean has varied hobbies and interests, including camping, wakeboarding, dancing, outdoor activities, attending concerts and doing just about anything with his two dogs, Lola and Ellie."

Apparently Lowe would one day like "to be the patriarch of a family that is centered on faith, love and laughter." Lowe's hoping to find that lucky lady to start his new life with on "The Bachelor."

Lowe initially had some hesitations signing up for another dating reality show after his heart was broken on national television not too long ago -  he told People back in July, "If ABC offered [me The Bachelor], I would have to think long and hard. It was an emotionally draining experience. Could I go through that again? I could end up heartbroken again. But I'm an open-minded optimist, and I believe the process can work. I fell in love. If I found my wife, it would be worth it."

Even so, looks like Lowe is ready for another battle for love. He tweeted this on Monday:

@SeanLowe09: "Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Romans 8:38 I'd be lost without it."

Check out some sneak-peak details on Lowe's lady suitors here.