THE TWO-PART "BACHELOR" PREMIERE EVENT LAUNCHES WITH "THE BACHELOR: COUNTDOWN TO JUAN PABLO," SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 ON ABC

A Rare Look at the Series' Casting Process Will Be Featured; Join Juan Pablo as He Shares His Private Life at Home; A Moving Tribute to Former Cast Member Gia Allemand Also Will Be Included

Join Chris Harrison in a one-hour special edition of "The Bachelor" entitled "The Bachelor: Countdown to Juan Pablo," airing SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET). Viewers will get a more in-depth look at our newest Bachelor, the sexy, single dad, Juan Pablo Galavis. It's an exciting sneak peek into Juan Pablo's everyday life in Miami, his family and his endearing relationship with his four-year-old daughter, Camila.

The special will highlight a day in the life of this sexy former professional soccer player and dedicated father on his home turf. We will also meet his devoted parents, loving siblings and cousins as they share stories from his childhood growing up in Venezuela.

But first, it's a behind-the-scenes look at the casting process of the show. What happens when bachelorettes apply to be on "The Bachelor?" In never-before-seen casting submission tapes, the viewing audience will see the lengths women go to in hopes of landing a spot on the long-running hit reality series. In addition, viewers will get to see casting interviews from the women that applied this season in the hopes of winning Juan Pablo's heart. Plus, cameras will capture show host Chris Harrison as he surprised the lucky bachelorettes with a rose and the good news they are actually going to meet and hopefully fall in love with Juan Pablo. And before they exit their limousines, take an up-close-and-personal look at several women who will make lasting impressions.

Lastly, the show pays tribute and remembers former cast member Gia Allemand in a heartfelt memorial. Former cast members will reflect on how Gia touched their lives.

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "The Bachelor: Countdown to Juan Pablo" is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are executive producers. "The Bachelor: Countdown to Juan Pablo" will be broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.