Luke Pell was more than prepared to become the next The Bachelor star, so despite his humble words, the cowboy has to be hiding disappointment and frustration.

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"I was emotionally and mentally all prepared. My family was happy about it," Pell told Us Weekly of being offered the position.

But the carpet was pulled out from under Pell hours before he was set to board a flight to Los Angeles to begin his The Bachelor journey, which films through Thanksgiving, Us reported.

Sources have said producers made a "last minute decision" to cast Nick Viall in the franchise's leading role, and according to Pell, that's completely accurate.

"We were all satisfied, had agreed to the contracts and everything was moving forward," said Pell, who was dumped by JoJo Fletcher after his hometown date on Season 12 of The Bachelorette.

"I was checked in to my flight to come to LA. I got a call from producers Sunday night at about 10PM. They said ABC had decided to quote-unquote go in a different direction. I was supposed to fly out Monday morning at 9AM. I had my bags packed and everything. Most dramatic Monday ever!"

ABC announced Viall as Season 21's The Bachelor star on Tuesday night's broadcast of Bachelor in Paradise: After Paradise. Producers understandably saw potential in Viall's comeback story as well as his sincerity, but their sudden change of heart was at Pell's expense.

"We had planned for intro filming and had planned to have my sister come on for a date and give advice as part of the show," Pell, 31, explained. "I met with the wardrobe guys. Everything was moving forward. Everyone on the production level was expecting it to be me, as well."

While it must have been a tough blow, Pell admitted he's "come to accept the decision," mainly because the war veteran's years of service in the military taught him that not all things can be in his control.

"I put it in the past, and I'm moving forward. It was a huge surprise, but the element of surprise and unexpected decisions is what the show thrives off of," Pell explained.

Pell, however, probably hates surprises at this point. In fact, he confessed to Us chances are he'd have no interest in appearing on The Bachelor again, even if producers come crawling back.

"I probably wouldn't do it," Pell admitted. "I don't want to wait in the wings for what decisions they can make for my life. I want to head back into taking control of my own destiny."

So what does his own destiny entail exactly?

"I'm recalculating what I'm going to be doing," Pell noted. "I'm just happy to get back to my life in Nashville as an entrepreneur and a songwriter. Those are two passions of mine. I put them on hold for the TV show, and now I can return to that."

Pell will also continue his search for love in the real world, away from cameras, and now he knows what he's looking for.

"I love somebody that is excited about life and has goals and dreams," Pell told the magazine. "I love independence. I love confidence. I love somebody that loves family and loves to have fun and who is completely comfortable in their own skin."

The Bachelor's 21st season will premiere in January 2017.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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