Grant Ellis is named the 'Bachelor' Season 29 lead

ABC has announced that Grant Ellis will lead Season 29 of “The Bachelor.”

The unexpected news was announced after an emotional episode of Jenn Tran’s season of “The Bachelorette” on Aug. 12. Ellis is the second Black bachelor in the franchise.

Described as a “self-proclaimed mama’s boy,” next season’s eligible bachelor is known for his “infectious smile and unwavering positivity instantly brightens every room he enters,” per ABC’s press release.

“The former pro basketball player is passionate about his career as a day trader, but when he’s not immersed in the fast-paced world of finance, you can find him cheering on the Lakers, hitting strikes at the bowling alley, or belting out tunes at karaoke nights,” the description continues. “As the Bachelor, Ellis is eager to embark on a journey filled with romance, adventure, and genuine connections. He hopes to find a partner who shares his values of loyalty, humor and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.”

In Episode Six, Tran narrowed down her remaining men to just four contestants. Those four suitors will introduce Tran to their families next episode, out Aug. 18, during “Hometowns.”

Tran ultimately sent Ellis, Spencer Conley and Sam McKinnley home. Devin Strader, Jeremy Simon, Jonathan Johnson and Marcus Shoberg all made the cut.

Before he was sent home, Ellis repeatedly expressed how hopeful he was that Tran would meet his family. But she decided that she couldn’t give him a rose.

“I feel empty right now. Jenn’s a great woman. She’s a great woman. I expressed my love for her. I poured everything out and it wasn’t good enough," Ellis told cameras. "It just sucks knowing that you feel some way about somebody, and they don’t feel the same about you.”

Adding, “I want a family. I want to be happy. I want a wife. I want to be in love. I want that. I want to give everything to somebody, and I want them to give everything to me in return.”

Following the usual filming and release schedule for “The Bachelor,” Ellis will be handing out roses next year.

Ellis will follow in the footsteps of former lead Joey Graziadei, who was the star of “The Bachelor” Season 28 earlier this year.

During Graziadei’s season finale, which aired in March, Graziadei asked Kelsey Anderson to marry him and she said, “Yes!” The two are still engaged and recently took a trip to The Hamptons together.

Graziadei joins the growing list of recent leads who are still in a relationship with their final rose recipient. Season 20 “Bachelorette” lead Charity Lawson lives with her fiancé Dotun Olubeko and the two are currently planning their wedding. Season 27 “Bachelor” star Zach Shallcross and his winner, Kaity Biggar, are engaged and figuring out details about their upcoming nuptials, as well.

Bachelor Nation will find out in a couple of weeks if Tran will continue the trend and end her season as an engaged woman.

Then next month, Joan Vassos, who was previously a contestant on “The Golden Bachelor,” will step into the role as the first ever “Golden Bachelorette.” The spinoff series premieres Sept. 18 on ABC and episodes will stream the next day on Hulu.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com