Emily Maynard Sounds Off on Arie as Next ‘Bachelor’

Emily Maynard approves of ex Arie Luyendyk Jr. being crowned the season 22 Bachelor.

The Bachelorette alum, who dumped the race car driver in 2012 on season 8 of the hit ABC show, told Us Weekly that she’s been hoping Luyendyk Jr. would get the chance to find love again. 

"I can't think of a better person to be The Bachelor than Arie and I've been hoping this day would come since Season 8 ended!" Maynard  said on Wednesday after the news was announced. "He's a gentleman through and through and all the girls on his season are lucky to have him."

She added: “I’ll be wishing him nothing but the best because that's absolutely what he deserves!"

A little refresher: Maynard, who is now married with kids, chose Jef -- with one F -- Holm back during the finale, but the pair split in October 2012.

Sound off in the comments below — are you excited for season 22 of The Bachelor?