Kirkland’s Jason Mesnick will star on ABC television’s “The Bachelor” program, set to debut Jan. 5, but an announcement from the show’s leading man has already unfolded the drama before the pre-taped show airs.

In a well publicized interview with People Magazine, he announced his engagement to an as-yet-unnamed bride.

Mesnick, a 32-year-old account executive and single father to a son, became a fan favorite in last year’s TV show The Bachelorette. He was eliminated from the program in the final episode, but was invited to return earlier this year for The Batchelor.

Several scenes from the upcoming show were reportedly shot in and around Kirkland.