In two weeks, North Jersey native Grant Ellis will kick off his quest for love on the 29th season of ABC's "The Bachelor."
Ellis, 30, was announced as the upcoming season's lead in August after an emotional exit from the last season of "The Bachelorette," in which fellow Garden State native Jenn Tran held the leading role.
Ellis captured the hearts of bachelor nation early during "The Bachelorette," scoring his first and only one-on-one date with Tran during the show's Aug. 5 episode. However, he was ultimately sent home the following Monday and was subsequently announced by ABC as the next lead of "The Bachelor."
Ellis described himself in a video on ABC as a New Jersey boy, a mama's boy, a day trader, an athlete and a goofball.
"I'm looking for love. I want a wife. I'm searching for that happiness," said Ellis. "To get what you want out of life, you have to take a chance. Love is a choice. Love is hard. But ultimately, the hardest things have the biggest reward. Let the journey begin."
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Here is everything you need to know about Ellis ahead of "The Bachelor" season 29 premiere.
Meet Grant Ellis
While he currently lives in Houston, Texas, Ellis was raised in Newark. He is a graduate of Hudson Catholic Regional High School in Jersey City and played college basketball at Iona University in New York.
After college, Ellis played professional basketball overseas. He currently works as a day trader.
When he is not working in the world of finance, Ellis can be found cheering on the Lakers, at the bowling alley, or singing at karaoke night, according to his official ABC bio.
"As the bachelor, Ellis is eager to embark on a journey filled with romance, adventure, and genuine connections," says his bio. "He hopes to find a partner who shares his values of loyalty, humor and a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures."
In a video posted by Ellis and Good Morning America following ABC's announcement in August, Ellis shared that he is looking for a love that is "kind and understanding." He hopes to find a partner that is adventurous, affectionate and loving.
"I can't wait for this incredible journey to get kicked off," said Ellis. "It is going to be so fun, and I hope you guys tune in."
When does season 29 of 'The Bachelor' premiere?
Season 29 of "The Bachelor" will premiere on Monday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Episodes will also be available for streaming on Hulu.
Meet the contestants
A total of 25 women will be competing for Ellis's heart on this season of "The Bachelor," including boxing trainer Alli Jo, 30, of Manalapan.
The other contestants include:
- Alexe, 27, a pediatric speech therapist from New Brunswick, Canada
- Allyshia, 29, an interior designer from Tampa, Florida
- Bailey, 27, a social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia
- Beverly, 30, an insurance salesperson from Howard Beach, New York
- Carolina, 28, a public relations producer from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
- Chloie, 27, a model from New York
- Christina, 26, a marketing director from Fargo, North Dakota
- Dina, 31, an attorney from Chicago
- Ella, 25, a luxury travel host from Los Angeles
- J'Nae, 28, an account coordinator from Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Juliana, 28, a client service associate from Newton, Massachusetts
- Kelsey, 26, an interior designer from Brooklyn
- Kyleigh, 26, a retail manager from Wilmington, North Carolina
- Litia, 31, a venture capitalist from Salt Lake City, Utah
- Natalie, 25, a Ph.D. student from Louisville, Kentucky
- Neicey, 32, a pediatrician from Blythewood, South Carolina
- Parisa, 29, a pediatric behavior analyst from Birmingham, Michigan
- Radhika, 28, an attorney from New York
- Rebekah, 31, an ICU nurse from Dallas
- Rose, 27, a registered nurse from Chicago
- Sarafiena, 29, an associate media director from New York
- Savannah, 27, a wedding planner from Charlottesville, Virginia
- Vicky, 28, a nightclub server from Las Vegas
- Zoe, 27, a tech engineer and model from New York
