Jessica Simpson’s Priority Is ‘Having Fun’ and Getting Back Into ‘Dating’ Amid Eric Johnson Split

Jessica Simpson is apparently feeling pretty desperate for a hunk following her separation because insiders say the mega-bucks business whiz and pop star is set to throw her hat into the ring as the next Bachelorette.

The 45-year-old mom of three has been looking high and low for a new man to take the place of husband and former NFL hunk Eric Johnson, 46, who she kicked to the curb in January following 10 years of marriage.

But sources say her prowl for a new bedmate has fallen flat, despite pouring a small fortune into nip/tucks and schmoozing up a storm all over the country.

Now, Jessica is looking at other matchmaking avenues, and she’s decided that finding love on the popular beef-market show is a perfect solution.

“Hooking up with gigolo types is all well and good but Jessica wants way more than that,” an insider says. “She’d like to be romanced, and to document her new dating journey on camera would be a dream come true.”

“She’s a huge fan of the Bachelor franchise and truly believes she’d bring a lot of credibility and ratings to the table if they give her a shot.”

Jessica first found TV fame starring in Newlyweds, a reality show that documented her first marriage to boy-bander turned TV host Nick Lachey.

The pair split in 2006 after four years and the Texas-born bombshell went on to build a fashion and beauty empire before settling down with NFL tight end Johnson, who’s dad to her three young kids.

Insiders previously reported that she’s keen to return to her TV roots, while also continuing a singing and acting comeback that’s seen her soaking up the limelight in skimpy costumes while keeping one eye out for Mr. Right.

An insider says, “Jessica has made no secret of her wish to return to TV. She’s been hitting up the Kardashians for advice and schmoozing with streaming honchos to figure out the right pathway and plotline.”

“Her life is so busy right now — she’s got so much on the go careerwise as well as raising the kids with Eric.”

“But she thrives on being super active and busy, and right now her number one priority is having fun in her life and climbing back on the dating horse.”