By Breaking Celebrity News Staff

Bachelor fans are fervent that hunky Roberto Martinez is going to be the main man handing out roses next season, however host Chris Harrison has adamantly denied the rumor and claims the prestigious position is still vacant.

"I will confirm it, he's not the Bachelor, we've not named anybody to be the Bachelor yet," Harrison told Breaking Celebrity News in an exclusive interview at the ESPN The Magazine 'Body Issue' launch party in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

"We don't need to, we don't name anybody so early," he explained. "I love the speculation and that people are talking about our show but we just don't need to make decisions yet."

Of course, this doesn't mean that Ali Fedotowsky's former fiance won't be picked for the part further down the casting process, as the longtime host is notoriously close-lipped about leaking secrets on the show, but he did give Roberto his seal of approval if he is chosen.

"He is a great guy, I love Roberto. First of all I hear he's stunningly handsome, and he's a very nice guy, he has a lot to offer and would be a great Bachelor. I would put my vote behind him but luckily I don't have a vote," he laughed.

As Breaking Celebrity News previously reported, even Ali claims she would be OK with the casting move, recently telling Wetpaint Entertainment, "I just hope he's happy."

Harrison hinted that the ABC producers may still pull a rabbit out of their hats and go with a completely fresh face for the show. "We would absolutely have an unknown again," he told Breaking Celebrity News.