For enthusiasts of “Golden Bachelorette,” the ultimate contestant has finally come along.

Mark Anderson, the charming father of Kelsey Anderson from “The Bachelor” Season 28, is set to pursue Joan Vassos’ affection on ABC’s “Golden Bachelorette” this autumn.

At 57 years old, Anderson gained the nickname “Kelsey’s Hot Dad” after the episode showcasing hometown visits on “The Bachelor,” where Kelsey introduced her future fiancé Joey Graziadei to her family, including her father.

Since that moment, “Bachelor Nation” has shown overwhelming interest in having the devoted widower Anderson become part of the franchise. Even standout Susan Noles from “Golden Bachelor” couldn’t help but be enamored with him.

Here’s a look at why Anderson is already the must-watch contestant, especially with “The Golden Bachelorette” set to begin on September 18 (at 8 PM EDT/5 PM PDT).

Anderson is a widower seeking love for himself and his daughter

Throughout “The Bachelor” season, Kelsey shared the story of her mother Denise, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. Anderson devoted himself to caring for her until her passing in 2018.

During the New Orleans hometown visit on “The Bachelor,” Kelsey had a heartfelt conversation with her father about Joey, capturing the attention of the nation, showing how much support Anderson had for his daughter’s search for love.

“I want you to experience what I had with your mom,” Anderson told Kelsey, “because that’s the most amazing feeling you can have.”

Kelsey replied, nearly in tears, “It’s unbelievable! Oh my gosh, I feel like I’m going to cry,” and went on to express her feelings for Joey, saying, “I think I’m in love with him.”

Mark wrapped his arms around his daughter and whispered, “I love you,” melting the hearts of Bachelor fans everywhere.

This touching moment from the affectionate father sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans pouring out praise for Anderson. Following the episode, Kelsey humorously posted on TikTok, thanking fans for “the nightmares I’m going to have tonight about all the posts you’ve made about my dad.”

Kelsey fully supports her father Mark Anderson in his quest for love

Kelsey expressed her thoughts about Anderson during an interview on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast in June, hosted by Noles and Kathy Swarts, both former contestants from the first season of “The Golden Bachelor.” She emphasized her complete support for her father taking the leap into reality television just like she did.

“I want my dad to put himself out there; I want him to date,” Kelsey stated. “I truly believe my mom would want that for him. Before she died, she often said, ‘I want you to find new love.’ She had a sense that she wouldn’t be the last love in his life.”

Susan Noles is already competing for Mark Anderson’s attention

During the same podcast, Swarts noted how Noles made a concerted effort to get Mark’s attention at “The Bachelor” finale. “Susan was quite assertive in trying to secure a chance to date him,” Swarts remarked.

“We’ve been in touch via email long before that,” Noles remarked, praising Anderson as “a fantastic guy.”

The buzz around this ‘Bachelor Nation’ contestant is unprecedented

Gerry Turner’s season of “Golden Bachelor” included Matt James’ mother, who left in the premiere. However, Anderson’s appeal is blossoming into a stardom even before these official announcements. Growing up in Minnesota and being a devoted Vikings fan, Anderson recently shared with the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that he was taken aback by the enormous interest from fans of the franchise. “It’s been quite overwhelming,” he admitted.

Initially, he believed he might be too young for the “Golden” franchise but has reconsidered in light of the 61-year-old Vassos’ participation.

“It’s a great opportunity to potentially meet someone special,” he remarked.

Who else will be joining ‘Golden Bachelorette’?

ABC has revealed the complete cast of 24 male contestants, including Anderson, who will appear on “The Golden Bachelorette.” The lineup features:

• • William “Bill,” 68, a retired videographer from Portland, Oregon
  • Robert “Bob,” 66, a chiropractor from Marina Del Rey, California
  • Charles K., 62, a portfolio manager from Rancho Palos Verdes, California
  • Charles L., 66, a former financial analyst from Philadelphia
  • Charles “Chock,” 60, an insurance executive from Wichita, Kansas
  • Christopher, 64, a contractor from West Babylon, New York
  • Daniel “Dan,” 64, a private investor

• • • David, aged 68, runs a ranch and resides in Austin, Texas.
    • Gary, 65, is a retired financial executive from Palm Desert, California.
    • Gil, 60, works as an educator and is based in Mission Viejo, California.
    • Gregg, who is 64, is a former university vice president living in Longboat Key, Florida.
    • Guy, 66, is an emergency room physician from Reno, Nevada.
    • John “Jack,” 68, is a caterer hailing from Chicago.
    • Jonathan, 61, is a shipping consultant located in Oakland, Iowa.
    • Jordan, 61, works as a sales manager in Chicago.
    • Keith, 62, is a proud father of daughters living in San Jose, California.
    • Kenneth “Ken,” 60, serves as a treasurer in property management out of Peabody, Massachusetts.
    • Kim, 69, is a retired Navy captain residing in Seattle.
    • Michael, 65, was the CEO of a bank and is living in Denver, North Carolina, after retirement.
    • Pablo, 63, was a director at a UN agency and now lives in Cambridge, Maryland.
    • Pascal, 69, owns a salon in Chicago.
    • Ralph “RJ,” 66, works as a financial advisor in Irvine, California.
    • Thomas, 62, is the chief of a fire department in New York.