Here's Why Pilot Peter Weber Will Most Likely Be The Next 'Bachelor'!

Bachelor Nation, are you ready? ‘Cause the search for the next Bachelor may be over already!

We know there are still a few weeks left of Bachelor in Paradise. But according to E! News, commercial airline pilot and recent Bachelorette fan-favorite Peter Weber will most likely fill the coveted lead role when the ABC hit show returns in January 2020.

Ever since Hannah Brown‘s journey to find love ended back in July, fans have been eagerly speculating on which of the Alabama beauty’s former suitors would takeover as rose-handler for the show’s 24th season.

A few guys really had a shot at the gig here, including portfolio manager Mike Johnson and model Tyler Cameron — although that last ship may have sailed since the hunk has been boo’ed up with Gigi Hadid as of late.

And, most recently, BiP contestant Derek Peth was thrust into the conversation for Bachelor after he graciously handled being dumped for another woman by his on-screen love interest, Demi Burnett.

However, multiple sources confirmed to the outlet the 28-year-old is definitely the standout option at this point.

One insider explained why producers took their time narrowing down the options, with Peter at the forefront of their minds:

“Pete was always the first pick but producers wanted to see how Paradise went with Mike. They love him but aren’t sure if he is ready to carry a whole show.”

Another source adds things could still change, but also noted why that most likely won’t happen in this case:

“It could always change, but Pete’s been their pick since Hannah’s season ended and Tyler started dating Gigi Hadid.”

As we mentioned, Tyler has his hands full with Hadid — and they’ve certainly ramped up the timeline on their budding relationship over the last few weeks! The pair recently stepped out for a casual dinner date with Gigi’s gal pal Serena Williams in NYC and enjoyed a romantic getaway in upstate New York together, too. Cameron is also reportedly scoping out locations for his own apartment in the Big Apple so he can remain close to his new bae. Impressive!

With that being said, there’s no way the guy can go back to the reality TV dating show, right?

And, what about Johnson? The 31-year-old could’ve made franchise history as the first African-American lead to helm the show, ever. The star recently admitted to Entertainment Tonight he hasn’t had any serious conversations about the role since his season ended. We have to wonder if his flirty online activity with Demi Lovato had anything to do with the show executives’ final decision it all.

Hm…

So, what’s next for our rumored leading man?!

Eagle-eyed fans recently spotted a production crew in Peter’s Southern California neighborhood. It is important to note, however, that The Bachelor often does test shoots with contenders before finalizing and announcing their choice.

Still, insiders claim the whole thing is a done deal:

“He’s older, he has a career and he has a great backstory. He can definitely carry a show.”

Filming doesn’t officially begin until early September, which isn’t so far away! We’ll keep our eyes peeled for an official announcement in the coming weeks.

Thoughts, Perezcious readers? Are U surprised at all by this, or did you see this choice coming all along?