And the next Bachelorette is ... Desiree?

Sarah D. Bunting
Desiree, 26, bridal stylist, Los Angeles, CA

According to an E! exclusive, Desiree Hartsock is nearing a deal to become the next Bachelorette.

Sources told E! that the 26-year-old bridal stylist, whom Sean Lowe sent home from the current season, is in "final talks" about succeeding him on the long-running competitive-romance franchise. Desiree's ouster shocked the show's fans, many of whom not only liked her but thought she was a shoo-in for the win. But after the hometown visits -- and an abrasive visit with Desiree's brother -- Sean chose to let Desiree go.

[Related: Read our recap of the hometown-dates episode]

Nothing's official yet, but the sources said that the deal "is 'close'" and we should hear something in the next couple weeks, with shooting set to begin next month.

Desiree's kind of the obvious choice based on fan response, but according to E!'s moles, producers also considered AshLee (eliminated just last week, and likely still furious based on her reaction during the episode), Sarah, and Lesley M.

At the taping of the upcoming "Women Tell All" special, Desiree told E!, "I love love and I love to love." She wouldn't confirm or deny whether she'd be back on TV.

As long as it's not Tierra, we're all for it. Would you watch Desiree as "The Bachelorette"? Did you predict this the minute Sean eliminated Desiree? Discuss in the comments!

See Desiree on "The Bachelor": 

"The Bachelor" airs Mondays at 8 PM on ABC.