A former 'Bachelor' lead was just named the new host of the show in the wake of Chris Harrison's exit

• Jesse Palmer was announced as the new host of 'The Bachelor,' according to Variety.
• Palmer, who was a lead in the show's in the season 5 cast, will replace Chris Harrison.
• He will continue his role as an ESPN analyst through the 2021-2022 college football season.

Jesse Palmer has been named the new host of "The Bachelor," Variety reported.

Palmer, a former NFL quarterback who was "The Bachelor" himself during Season 5, will step into Chris Harrison's role for Season 26, which will air in 2022, according to Variety.

"For more than 20 years, 'The Bachelor' has brought the world dozens of unforgettable love stories, including at one time, my own," Palmer said in a statement according to Variety.

"Falling in love is one of life's greatest gifts, and I am humbled by the opportunity to return to the show as host this season to offer the newest Bachelor advice gained from firsthand experience and I am grateful to play a small part in his journey," he continued.

Palmer has been an ESPN analyst since 2007 and has signed an extension to continue his role through the 2021-2022 college football season, Variety reported.

Next month's new season of "The Bachelorette" will be hosted by Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe, two former stars of "The Bachelorette," Variety reported. The pair hosted the most recent season of the show this spring.

The show's longtime host Chris Harrison agreed to depart the show earlier this year after defending "The Bachelor" contestant Rachel Kirkconnell for attending an antebellum-themed party in college.