Why Ben Higgins Says Matt James Was Afraid About Being The Bachelor
It's as if Matt James was born to be The Bachelor. His easy-going demeanor and charming smile seem to make his reality TV turn on the hit ABC dating show meant to be. Through all of the controversies and the drama between the contestants, Season 25 of The Bachelor is reminiscent of another beloved alum's season: none other than resident nice guy, Ben Higgins!
After appearing as a contestant on Season 11 of The Bachelorette, Ben got his chance at being the Bachelor during Season 20. He was quickly deemed "perfect Ben" before popping the question to Lauren Bushnell. Even though Ben and Lauren's romance ended, Ben's Bachelor fame is ongoing, with him appearing on a variety of spinoff shows hoping to find love. His latest reality TV role? Advising current Bachelor Matt!
After penning his memoir, Alone in Plain Sight: Searching for Connection When You're Seen but Not Known, Ben definitely knows a thing or two about dealing with self-doubt. Keep scrolling to find out why Ben tried to impart his learned wisdom to Matt, and what Ben revealed to be Matt's biggest fears about being on The Bachelor!
Ben Higgins claims Matt James was fearful of choosing the wrong woman
With 25 suitors, how does The Bachelor choose the right woman? Ben Higgins opened up to POPSUGAR that Matt James confided in him while on set in Pennsylvania.
"His fear from what I understood was that the women that came on the show wouldn't feel like it was worth it if they weren't the ones chosen — like his fear of letting people go was really weighing on him," Ben said, explaining, "it's the only experience in your life where you're going to break up with 20-plus people in the span of three months."
In the case of contestant Sarah Trott, one of the early frontrunners for Matt's heart, the decision of her departure was entirely out of his hands. Sarah opted to return to be with her ailing father, while tabloids speculated that she had a boyfriend during the duration of filming.
Ben's advice to TV newcomer Matt was to focus on himself and what he can control. "I think when you're not familiar with the show you go onto it expecting the worst by thinking the show is going to tear you apart," Ben continued. "If I can do this he can 100 percent do this, he's going to be fine."
Ben himself is doing just fine too, thank you very much! He's engaged to girlfriend Jessica Clarke, whom he connected with through Instagram. Who needs The Bachelor when you have social media DMs?