Exclusive: Sean Lowe is the new Bachelor!

It's been rumored for a while now, but now it's confirmed: Sean Lowe is going to be the next star of The Bachelor! Host Chris Harrison confirmed the news to SheKnows on Sunday night on the 2012 Primetime Emmys red carpet.

The whispers started a couple of weeks ago when blogger Reality Steve hypothesized that Lowe was the one based on some activity in his hometown of Dallas.

"Sean was filming in the front yard in his swim trunks, playing in the sprinklers with his niece and nephew while cameras rolled," RS wrote. "I expect this to be part of his video package in the beginning where we hear voiceovers of him talking about how he knows the process can work, he's excited about finding a wife, and saying the exact same things the 24 previous leads before him have said, all while walking the streets of Dallas aimlessly looking into the sky and pondering deep thoughts in his head."

Reps for The Bachelor had no comment on Lowe's casting.

"Filming has not begun," a rep told SheKnows.

Fans are split on whether or not Lowe will make a good Bachelor, given his good-guy rep. Other rumored frontrunners were Roberto Martinez, Arie Luyendyk and even Olympic champ swimmer Ryan Lochte.

"He does come across as someone who's a bit more genuine than Bachelors past, doesn't seem to be much of a player, and has a very strong religious background that is a big part of his life," Reality Steve added. "Will it translate to good TV? Who knows?"

Arie confirmed to SheKnows that he wouldn't be the Bachelor, thanks to some prior commitments with his racing career.

He does think the next Bachelor needs to "be himself" on the show to find love.

"I wish the next person a lot of luck!" Arie said.

Image courtesy WENN.com

Will Sean Lowe be a good Bachelor?