Entertainment

Remember When Ben Z. Was Almost 'The Bachelor'?

by Samantha Atzeni
Bob D’Amico/ABC

As summer draws to a close, there is still one more trip to take. Bachelor in Paradise Season 4 premieres Aug. 14, and viewers will be treated to new, old, and familiar faces from both The Bachelor and Bachelorette. So who is Bachelor in Paradise star Ben Zorn?

Ben first graced fans' screens on Season 11 of The Bachelorette. (He was known as the Ben Z. to Ben Higgins' Ben H.) Unfortunately, Ben Z. did not get the final rose from Kaitlyn Bristowe, nor did he score the coveted Bachelor slot afterwards. That honor went to Ben H. — though, for a minute, Ben Z. was in contention. But, with his Bachelor Nation dreams ending after Kaitlyn's season (at least until now), he's been keeping busy with his career.

For starters, he is the founder and director of Zorn Fitness. According to the site's "about" page, Ben runs the company with his brother Sebastian. The two make a pretty great team: Sebastian handles the nutritional side while Ben focuses on the fitness aspect of their clients' plans. Ben's love of health and fitness extends to his social media as well, where he devotes many of his posts to a healthy lifestyle, including posting videos of his workouts.

Here's what else you need to know about him if you're new to Bachelor Nation — or you just can't remember all the way back to Kaitlyn's season (which was two years ago).

He Loves Food

He may own a fitness company, but that doesn't mean he doesn't like to eat. Whether he's posting delicious pics of nights out or his home meals after partnering with Hello Fresh, Ben's foodie self is all over his IG.

He Loves His Dog

Ben's Instagram alternates between pictures of workouts, food, and his dog, Zeus. Zeus is an adorable Rottweiler and Ben's adventure/workout/life buddy. If fans need more Zeus in their lives, they can also check out Zeus's own Instagram.

He Loves His Brother

Ben and Sebastian own a company together, and Instagram proves just how close they are. All together now: Awww.

He Has The Best Personality

In this throwback photo, Ben proves he has the accolades to back up his personality, after winning the title in the eighth grade. Perhaps this "Best Personality" will help him out on Bachelor in Paradise?

Fans Are Already 'Shipping Him

Obviously, Bachelor in Paradise comes with fans speculating about one's personal life. In the case of Ben, fans are already hoping he pairs up with another familiar face. According to Elite Daily, fans are shipping Ben and Raven Gates, another contestant on Bachelor in Paradise. The reasoning centers around none other than Nick Viall. Both have a connection with Viall through the Bachelor-universe. Ben shared a season with Viall on The Bachelorette and Raven had her heart broken by Viall on The Bachelor. Could the stars align for this couple?

Ben is entering this season of Bachelor in Paradise with a fan following and a busy life since his time on The Bachelorette. While it's unclear what his TV future holds just yet, the second time could be the charm for him.