‘The Bachelor’ Season 21 Frontrunners Luke Pell, Chase McNary React To Nick Viall Casting

There’s a new “Bachelor” in town and many are surprised by ABC’s Season 21 pick. None, however, are more shocked than “Bachelorette” alums Luke Pell and Chase McNary.

The pair, who appeared on JoJo Fletcher’s recently completed season, shared their views on the network’s decision to cast Nick Viall, who appeared on Season 11 and Season 10 of “The Bachelorette” where he vied for Kaitlyn Bristowe and Andi Dorfman’s hearts.

Luke, who was rumored for months to be the next “Bachelor,” posted a photo of a quote on Instagram, suggesting that the timing simply wasn’t right for him. In his caption, Luke thanked fans for showing so much “love and support,” adding that he had experienced many “unexpected changes” in the months leading up to the “Bachelor” announcement. Chase also addressed his “Bachelor” snub on Instagram, writing that while he is not going to be searching for love on the ABC dating show, he has not given up.

Fans were equally stunned by Nick having been chosen as “The Bachelor.” Many took to Twitter to applaud the showrunners for pulling off such a twist, while others joked about how many times Nick has attempted to find love on TV. Some also took to social media to congratulate Nick, who is currently starring on the network’s spinoff series “Bachelor in Paradise,” on being ABC’s pick. Nick has yet to release a statement about appearing on the show.

Nick was announced as Season 21’s “Bachelor” after Tuesday’s episode of “Bachelor in Paradise.” Prior to the confirmation, it was widely reported that Nick or Chase would be chosen. Popular reality TV blogger Reality Steve — who often has major “Bachelor” scoop — noted that all his sources had indicated that Luke was a shoe-in for “The Bachelor” gig.

“All my intel for the last 2 months has said it’s going to be Luke, and I have no reason to believe otherwise,” he wrote Tuesday. “Guess we’ll get our answer tonight.”

Nick was introduced to “Bachelor in Paradise” in Season 3. During the show he and Amanda Stanton from Ben Higgin’s season of “The Bachelor” sparked up something of a romantic relationship. That all changed when Josh Murray — whom Nick has a contentious history with — joined the show. The two were neck-in-neck during Andi’s season of “The Bachelorette” until the very end when she chose Josh and their similar taste in women hasn’t changed. Josh also expressed an interest in Amanda, which has created a ton of drama on the island.

“The Bachelor” Season 21 is rumored to be premiering in December. Do you think Nick will be successful in finding love this around?