“Fixer Upper’s” most eligible bachelor is eligible no more

David Ridley, 38, the homeowner who was dubbed “Waco’s most eligible bachelor” on the popular HGTV show “Fixer Upper” is eligible no more.

Ridley got engaged over the weekend to a school teacher in Alabama.

“It’s a total God thing,” Ridley said when reached by phone.

Ridley was the only single homebuyer ever to appear on “Fixer Upper.”

His episode, which involved renovating a 1969 ranch-style home, debuted as the most-watched of the popular series, and garnered some of the biggest TV ratings in the history of the cable network.

The bachelor has show-stopping good looks and prior to moving to Waco, modeled professionally in New York City, once gracing the bags and walls of Abercrombie & Fitch and landing modeling gigs alongside supermodel Kate Moss in Vogue magazine.

The focus landed Ridley an instant social media following of nearly 8,000 people and the bachelor became the subject of articles in publications such as "Country Living" and online stories for "The Today Show."

"Everyone wanted to set me up with someone," Ridley said.

"I had many strangers contacting me saying I needed to meet their daughters or granddaughters."

But the never before married or engaged heartthrob didn't find the right one, until a friend of his in Waco said she had a lifelong friend back home in Alabama he had to meet.

“I was saying I don’t want a blind set up. Everyone tries that and it doesn’t work,” Ridley said.

But Ridley says the friend was persistent.

She came to him and said she felt God was telling her to urge the famously known bachelor to make a move.

And in October, Ridley cautiously gave Rachel Rich, 34, a call.

Ridley says Rich had never seen the episode he starred in when they decided to meet, until her friend told her about it.

“We were both glad she didn’t know,” Ridley said.

In December, the couple met face-to-face for the first time in Waco.

Over Christmas, Ridley returned the favor by visiting Rich in her home state.

And this weekend, less than three months after meeting, Ridley dropped to one knee.

“I never thought I believed people when they said when you know you know, but when I met Rachel, I knew,” Ridley told KWTX.

“She is someone who really compliments me and really the way she is in a relationship with God is unbelievable.”

As for the home made famous by Chip and Joanna Gaines as a bachelor pad complete with a backyard sand volleyball court, Ridley says his wife-to-be loves it.

And that means his four male roommates will soon get the boot.

“My business Waco Tours is really taking off," Ridley said.

"So we feel like Waco is where we want to start our life together."

The two plan to marry July 1 in Alabama.

Ridley says they’ll be surrounded by friends, family and perhaps fewer followers on social media to celebrate.

“When I posted my engagement picture over the weekend, I lost 110 followers,” Ridley laughed.

“And I’m totally good with that.”