ABC's 'The Bachelor' Premiere Recap 2012

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Ben Fljnik has returned to ABC on the season premiere of "The Bachelor" after being rejected on "The Bachelorette."

The two-hour special premiere of the popular series saw 28-year-old Flajnik, a Sonoma winemaker, meet 25 eligible women.

"I've never juggled 25 women before," said the new Bachelor speaking to the show's host, Chris Harrison. Flajnik had not appeared on the network since proposing to last season's "The Bachelorette" star, Ashley Herbert, who turned him down.

"It's been a really long time since I had those love feelings," Flajnik revealed to the audience Monday, recalling his proposal. "I've really opened up."

In Monday's episode women from New York to Nebraska were introduced to Flajnik , including a 72-year-old grandmother.

Sheryl, who stepped out of a limo on crutches, admitted she had fallen "madly in love" with Flajnik on last season's "Bachelorette." The grandmother then surprised everyone by presenting her 26-year-old granddaughter for Flajnik to meet. "That's too cute," said Flajnik reacting to the surprise. "I love grandmas."

Ultimately, Flajnik had to select 18 of the eligible ladies by bestowing each woman with a rose, eliminating the remaining seven. For the full biographies of each woman on this season's "Bachelor," visit abc.go.com.

"Love is emotional," said Flajnik as he toasted the 18 women at the end of the episode. Flajnik will continue to narrow down the list of women by getting to know them better as the season progresses.

"The Bachelor" airs Mondays on ABC at 8 p.m. EST.