Sept. 29 (UPI) — Former Bachelor star Jesse Palmer will host Season 26 of the ABC dating reality series.
Producers confirmed Tuesday on Instagram that Palmer, 42, will host the new season following Chris Harrison’s departure.
“Welcome back, @jessepalmer! Jesse Palmer will be hosting the upcoming season of #TheBachelor,” the post reads.
Palmer, a former professional football player who starred in The Bachelor Season 5, voiced his excitement in the comments.
“I’M SO EXCITED!!! Feeling so humbled and grateful for this incredible opportunity,” he wrote. “Can’t wait to get started!!!!”
Palmer also shared a photo of himself outside the Bachelor mansion.
“Bachelor Nation- I couldn’t be more thrilled to be home with my @bachelorabc family! Word on the street is it’s pretty AMAZING around here!” he wrote.
Harrison, the longtime host of the Bachelor franchise, permanently left the series in June. He had stepped away from the franchise in February after “speaking in a way that perpetuates racism” in an interview with former Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsay.
Former Bachelorette stars Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe will host The Bachelorette Season 18 starring Michelle Young, which premieres Oct. 18 on ABC.