“Bachelor in Paradise: After Paradise” host Chris Harrison played the cruelest of jokes on viewers when he revealed that he’d be announcing the next star of “The Bachelor “ during Monday night’s show. When the talk show came back from commercial, Harrison was sitting with none other than Nick Viall – the runner-up from both Andi Dorfman's and Kaitlyn Bristowe’s seasons of “The Bachelorette.” While Nick is no villain compared to Joe Bailey right now, he was certainly not a fan favorite for the spot of Season 20 suitor. And Twitter users nearly lost it when it was teased that he’d be the star of the 2016 season.

“I’m excited,” Nick told Harrison when he joined him on the “After Paradise” couch. “My heart’s always open. I’ve always been that person who kind of goes for it so I’m excited for the future. Absolutely.”

“So, you truly are ready for the next journey, the next chapter in your life?” the host grilled him.

“I’m definitely excited for that next great adventure that is awaiting me,” Nick continued. “It should be fun.”

But before loyal “Bachelor” fans could have a true meltdown, Harrison thanked Nick for joining him on stage and revealed that he’d now be bringing out the real star of Season 20 – Ben Higgins!

Ben is the 26-year-old second runner-up from Kaitlyn’s season of “The Bachelorette.” The Denver software salesman didn’t win Kaitlyn’s heart, but he certainly won over fans with his good looks and charming demeanor. Even Nick is “Team Ben.”

“I think ABC made a great choice,” Nick told Us Weekly. “I think he’s one of the few people that actually lives up to the hype. He’s a very sweet guy and now that he’s the leading guy I hope we get to see the other great sides of Ben. Ben has an edge and I hope that he shows it!”

“Bachelor” viewers will have to wait until January to see Ben’s journey to find love on ABC. While you wait, check out some of the funniest tweets from fans who were tricked into thinking Nick Viall was the Season 20 star:

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