by Gina Scarpa

Though Ashley Hebert and JP Rosenbaum seem happy as can be in their new life together in New York, many Bachelorette fans had hoped she actually would've ended up with Ben Flajnik. The 28-year-old winemaker from California won Ashley over but she rejected him at the final rose ceremony. Their conversation before he stepped into the limo was one of the most emotionally honest in the show's history. He left bitter, confused, and hurt.

Now, Ben's putting it all behind him and is ready to find love again - and he'll have a lot of women to choose from! ABC has announced that Ben has become the newest Bachelor and his season will air in January of 2012. Those who are anxious to get another glimpse of Ben before then can catch him on the season finale of Bachelor Pad, September 12th at 8/7c on ABC.

Throughout the season of The Bachelorette, we learned a lot about Ben. He lost his father a few years ago which has deeply affected him, he's close with his mother, he's a successful winemaker, and he loves his dog, a Jack Russell terrier named Scotch. There's more, though - he also loves the outdoors, singing and playing piano, building and fixing things, and landscaping.

Do you feel that Ben was the right choice for the newest Bachelor? Was anyone hoping for bubbly Ryan, intelligent Ames, or enigmatic Constantine? Let us know in the comments below!

(Image courtesy of ABC)

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