BACHELORETTE star Greg Grippo is “closing a deal” to become the next Bachelor despite ABC knowing the “controversial pick” will get backlash, The Sun can reveal.
Following a dark cloud still looming over the franchise since Chris Harrison’s shocking exit and racism scandal, Katie Thurston’s much-talked about contestant is now set to become the lead.
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According to a source close to the show: “Execs have talked about Greg becoming The Bachelor since he left the show.
“He would be one of, if not the most controversial pick and they know they will get backlash.
“But that reaction happens nearly every season and happened the strongest with Colton [Underwood’s] season which turned out to be one of the most-watched,” it was added of the former Bachelor.
They added: “Greg wasn’t interested at first but has opened up and has been seriously discussing the matter with execs.
“Nothing is set in stone until ABC announces it publicly but it’s looking like, Greg will be the next Bachelor.”
Fan-favorite Tyler Cameron, 28, was also a “top choice” to be the next lead however, the source claimed that he “doesn’t seem interested” in the offer.
Famous Bachelor blogger Reality Steve also alleged Greg will step into the role – causing fans to already express their outrage at the potential pick.
“I DONT WANT GREG AS BACHELOR. Why are we rewarding bad behavior? Another f**ked up white guy. WAY TO GO ABC,” one person exclaimed.
Another fired off: “I have given the Bachelor franchise chance after chance after chance, but choosing Greg as the new Bachelor is my last straw.
“I will not be watching Greg’s season if it turns out to be true. I’m not giving a manipulative fame-hungry annoyance any of my time.”
A third insisted: “I’m down to watch any trash that @BachelorABC throws out there (I watched all of Listen To Your Heart) but I draw the line if Greg is The Bachelor.”
The New Jersey native endured a nasty split with Katie, 30, on The Bachelorette and was slammed on After The Final Rose for treating Greg “horribly” during the finale.
‘GREG’S A LIAR’
Following her former suitor storming off the show, Katie came out with a tense energy and did not acknowledge Greg as she walked right past him in fury.
While sitting in the hot seat with hosts Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe, Katie shouted at Greg: “You’re a liar! If you think that’s love, you don’t know what love is!”
He was also accused by Katie of being a “gaslighter” and an “actor.”
The pair continued to argue in front of a shocked live studio audience for several more minutes.
Following the tense encounter, many fans turned on Katie and began siding with Greg however, many are still unhappy if he does become the new lead.
Katie went on to get engaged to Blake Moynes despite proclaiming Greg was “the one.”
The highly-promoted finale received 4.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen, making it the LOWEST finale rating in the show’s history.
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