'Bachelor' Arie Luyendyk Jr.: I'm Nothing Like Nick Viall (Exclusive)
In September, ABC executive Robert Mills told ET that Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. was "very similar" to most recent Bachelor Nick Viall, saying both were "open to everybody."
But according to Luyendyk, their age -- both 36 during filming -- is about all they have in common.
While speaking with ET's Lauren Zima in Los Angeles earlier this month, Luyendyk couldn't have separated himself more from last season's lead.
"I think we're just two completely different people, to be honest," Luyendyk said. "Watching Nick's season, I don't know if he opened himself up as much as I did."
Luyendyk also revealed to ET that he said "I love you" to two different women towards his season's end. "I felt really strongly for more than one person, and it's because I was really open to the process. I think that's the biggest difference between us."
Viall, of course, was cast as the Bachelor after failing to find love on Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe's seasons of The Bachelorette, as well as season three of Bachelor in Paradise. Viall split from his Bachelor pick, fiancee Vanessa Grimaldi, this summer.
And while the aspiring actor was a surprise, but welcome, contestant on Bristowe's season, Luyendyk teased that he was on the receiving end of an unexpected and problematic visitor.
"I didn't see it coming, obviously, because it was so unexpected, but there was a surprise visitor at one point," he revealed. Luyendyk confirmed his surprise wasn't his ex, Emily Maynard, and also admitted to having a new perspective on their relationship after The Bachelor.
"After going through this whole thing, I had a lot of respect for her, because I just understood how hard it was, and I could kind of see her side of things," he expressed, adding that she might have inspired him to break some rules during his season. "Ultimately, it's my life and my decision at the end, so there are some things that I had to bend the rules a little bit, to be able to get that clarity."
"[I have] no regrets," he continued. Luyendyk wouldn't reveal if he's engaged, saying, "It was difficult at times, but I think it is difficult for any Bachelor... [and] I think that things really played out wonderfully for me."
The Bachelor returns Monday, Jan. 1, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
See more on Luyendyk in the video below.
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