‘Bachelor’ Host Chris Harrison Reacts To Ben Higgins, Lauren Bushnell Split

Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell were once the picture of relationship goals, but unfortunately, “The Bachelor” couple just called it quits. And most people didn’t see it coming, especially reality show host Chris Harrison.

During a recent interview, Harrison heard the news about their split for the first time and could not hide his shock. “First of all, I did not know that. Is that true?” Harrison told People. “You’re breaking news to me. I really did not know that. Apparently, I did not see that coming. I love them both. They are really two of my favorite people we’ve ever had on the show and Ben is a really good friend.”

But though Harrison was shocked about Ben and Lauren’s split, he revealed that he was aware of the ex-couple’s struggles. According to TV host, the pair struggled with “The Bachelor,” but continued to do their own reality show, “Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After.” The two apparently fought often while filming the show, but Harrison still couldn’t believe that they would just pull the plug on their wedding and end their relationship.

READ: Are Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell excited to get married soon?

Harrison added that he was sorry to hear about the news and that he will definitely reach out to Ben and Lauren because he cares about the two.

Meanwhile, not everyone was surprised about Ben and Lauren’s split. A source told Entertainment Tonight that the breakup was inevitable because the pair couldn’t stand each other anymore. “They weren’t seeing eye-to-eye on too many things and were arguing about everything lately,” claimed the insider.

Another source close to ABC revealed that none of the people close to Lauren was that surprised about them parting ways. “The Bachelor” Season 20 winner had been honest with her friends when it came to her struggles with her relationship with Ben, E! News reported.

Ben, 29, and Lauren, 27, couldn’t apparently could not settle their differences and reach a proper compromise. The insider added that Lauren gave way too much to please her fiancé. In fact, after their season of “The Bachelor,” she gave up her job in Oregon to move to Denver with Ben. She “changed a lot of what she enjoyed doing to please Ben,” said the source.

“They both really wanted to make it work, but Lauren was the only one who was really needing to change a lot of things... She felt like she wasn't being authentic to herself,” the source explained.

It was not an easy ride indeed for Lauren to be with Ben. Aside from giving up the convenient life she enjoyed with her family and friends, she also endured the issues that came along after he called off their wedding. In one of the episodes of “Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After,” Ben called off the engagement, leaving Lauren heartbroken. Despite this, she chose to understand him and stand by him.

“I think at this point, Lauren and I are focusing on our relationship, which is obvious, we’re definitely together, we are happily engaged. The wedding in our mind — ‘Where’s your ring at?’ — is still on, but we are just taking some time to help plan that where it’s not stressful or overwhelming,” Ben told Extra at the time.

Lauren added that they were also under so much pressure because of their highly publicized romance, saying, “Any couple feels the same pressures, you get engaged and everyone asks when is the wedding… We’ve navigated it relatively well and doing things on our own timeline, honestly.”

Unfortunately, there is no wedding anymore for Lauren and Ben. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce our decision to go our separate ways,” the couple said in a statement announcing their split. “We feel fortunate for the time we had together, and will remain friends with much love and respect for one another. We wish nothing but the best for each other, and ask for your support and understanding at this time.”

Did you see Ben and Lauren’s split coming or were you surprised too? Drop a comment below.