Jason Tartick Was Approached To Be The Next ‘Bachelor’ Star: ‘I Would’ve Done It!’
Feb. 25 2019, Updated 11:44 a.m. ET
Bachelor nation hoped ABC would choose Jason Tartick to be the next leading man on The Bachelor after he finished third on Becca Kufrin’s season. In an exclusive interview with RadarOnline.com, Tartick revealed fans almost got their wish.
“There were three of us towards the end considered,” Tartick, 29, told RadarOnline.com. “I was approached, yes. I would’ve done it.”
But unfortunately for Tartick, ABC went with former NFL player Colton Underwood.
“I am not sure why they didn’t pick me,” he admitted. “There were meetings I wasn't a part of. That’s above my head.”
Although there are mixed reactions to Underwood, 26, being chosen, Tartick believes ABC made the right decision.
“Colton is a good friend of mine,” he said. “We had a great friendship since day one and we continued to have a great friendship after The Bachelorette. We talk almost every day.”
Fortunately for fans, The Bachelorette may not be the last of Tartick, as he is open to returning for Bachelor in Paradise next season.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I found love in a place I didn’t think I could. I would be open if things were on the table and if I were in the right position. But I am not putting my dating life on hold hoping for something to happen.”
The banker was asked to appear on the current season of Bachelor in Paradise, but he turned it down because the turn around time after The Bachelorette was “too quick.”
"If I were to do Paradise, it would be to find someone," he explained. “I wasn’t mentally prepared at that point to be in a position to find love."
As readers know, Kufrin went on to date Garrett Yrigoyen and Blake Horstmann after sending Tartick home. She accepted Yrigoyen’s proposal on the finale episode.
“With any relationship you cope with the outcome,” he said of their split. “Watching it all back, you see how deep and natural her and Garrett’s chemistry was. It opened my eyes to see that she found the right one. I was appreciative of what we had. I wish them all best. I’m sure their engagement will turn into marriage.”
Although Tartick wasn’t ready to date when Bachelor in Paradise began filming, he is today.
“I have not dated,” he said. “But I am open to dating.”
Do you think ABC should’ve chosen Tartick? Tell us in the comments!
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