Juan Pablo Galavis is ABC's new 'Bachelor'

ALICIA RANCILIO
This March 2013 publicity photo released by ABC shows Juan Pablo Galavis, a contestant on the past season of "The Bachelorette." Galavis will star in the 18th edition of "The Bachelor" which returns in January of 2014 on ABC. (AP Photo/ABC, Craig Sjodin)

NEW YORK (AP) — What Juan Pablo Galavis lacked in airtime on "The Bachelorette," he made up in popularity among viewers.

Now the former pro soccer player will be ABC's next "Bachelor," where 25 women begin the show vying for his heart.

The 32-year-old was born in Ithaca, N.Y., but moved to Venezuela when he was 2. He returned to the U.S. to play college soccer and then went pro.

"Bachelorette" Desiree Hartsock rejected Galavis, sending him home on the show's sixth episode.

"I'm really excited. I hope he finds the love of his life," she said in an interview Tuesday.

Galavis has a young daughter named Camila.

"The Bachelor" begins production next month and will begin airing in January.

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Online:

http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelor?