Could Ben Higgins be the next Bachelor in 2018 over Peter Kraus?

Is it possible that Ben Higgins could be the star of The Bachelor in 2018 over Peter Kraus? In theory, anything is possible. That’s especially true given that Ben is now single (he and Lauren Bushnell split earlier this year) and that he’s widely considered one of the best Bachelors in the show’s history. He also happens to still be very familiar with the franchise (he co-hosts a podcast with Ashley Iaconetti) and there is a precedent for two-time Bachelors. Brad Womack famously did the role twice after not choosing anyone the first time around, and Ben is far more well-liked in franchise circles than Brad ever was.

What’s interesting right now is hearing that Ben apparently will not rule out being a part of the show again, but he’s also not hurrying into it either. Speaking per Us Weekly, Ben made the following clear about where his head is at in relation to future appearances:

“I don’t want to say I wouldn’t, but I can’t say I would, either … Right now, there are things in my life that I feel passionate about. My buddies and I have a blog, The Mahogany Workplace. And my friends and I started Generous Coffee. It’s a for-profit company that supports causes that make the world better. So, this season of The Bachelor feels too soon. I’d be sacrificing things that I don’t want to neglect.”

It also doesn’t feel like there’s an immediate need to bring Ben back for this role, either. One of the things that you have to remember with Peter is that he’s so universally loved that there’s almost no reason to turn him away for the role. Maybe if he doesn’t want it Ben will get some consideration then, but this seems like it’s Peter’s role to take or to turn down.

As for when a decision will need to be made for the next Bachelor, probably around the end of the month/early September ABC will get a contract signed. There is no immediate rush, but they want to have the next season of the show filmed before Thanksgiving and we imagine that there is some planning already going on in terms of locations and possible dates, even without knowing who the new lead is. After all, this is a process that takes the folks at the network a long time to orchestrate — not that this should be a surprise to anyone who watches.

This new season of The Bachelor, no matter who is the lead for it, will be airing at some point in the new year on ABC. Typically, the show comes on in a matter of a week following the start of the year.

Do you think Ben Higgins would make a good two-time Bachelor?

Be sure to share some of your thoughts on the matter in the attached comments! Meanwhile, you can head over here in the event you want to read some more news when it comes to Peter and the series. (Photo: ABC.)