ARIE LUYENDYK JR. WILL LOOK FOR LOVE AGAIN AS THE STAR OF ABC'S HIT ROMANCE REALITY SERIES 'THE BACHELOR' WHEN IT RETURNS TO ABC IN JANUARY 2018 FOR ITS 22nd SEASON

Six years ago, Arie Luyendyk Jr. was in love and a day away from proposing to the woman of his dreams. And then, she broke his heart. Emily Maynard (now Emily Maynard Johnson) may not have been Arie's future wife, but he hasn't been able to find a love like hers since. Now Arie is back and ready to race into America's heart yet again when he returns for a second shot at love, starring in the 22nd season of ABC's hit romance reality series "The Bachelor," returning to ABC in January 2018.

The surprising announcement was made on "Good Morning America" this morning.

After a tearful exit on Emily's season of ABC's "The Bachelorette,"Arie has stepped away from the spotlight and focused on his new career in real estate, which has brought him tremendous success. Even though he has been gone from Bachelor Nation, America hasn't forgotten Arie's rugged good looks and charm. Now Arie is back and ready to race into America's heart yet again.

Born in the Netherlands, Arie, 35, and his family immigrated to the United States when he was just three years old. Son of famed Formula One racer, Arie Luyendyk Sr., a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, Arie Jr. followed in his father's footsteps. He made a name for himself, speeding his own way into the Indy 500. After a career as a respected Formula 1 racer, he shifted gears and is now a successful real estate broker in Scottsdale, Arizona.

After mending his broken heart, Arie is finally ready to start his own journey for love.

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "The Bachelor" is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss, Elan Gale, Bennett Graebner and Nicole Woods are the executive producers.

"The Bachelor" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with stereo sound.