Australian audiences are about to meet a very different kind of Bachelor.
The Golden Bachelor, hosted by Samantha Armytage, is set to premiere with a focus on love later in life and the stories that come with it.
At the centre of the new series is Bear, a 61-year-old Sydneysider who will become the country’s first Golden Bachelor.
Bear’s life has been shaped by both love and loss. After moving to the northern beaches in 1998 with his late wife Audrey, the pair raised three sons together before tragedy struck in 2011, when he lost both Audrey and his mother in the same year.
Since then, Bear has put fatherhood first and now says he is ready to explore love again.
Bear, The Golden Bachelor
“It’s quite surreal getting to be Australia’s first Golden Bachelor,” Bear said.
“It’s an incredible privilege that twenty remarkable women are willing to come on this journey with me, for all of us to have the courage to open our hearts and take the chance to fall in love again. I couldn’t be more grateful or excited to see where this trailblazing experience takes us.”
‘One in a million’
Armytage says viewers are in for something special.
“I can’t wait to introduce Bear to Australia. We’ve found a one-in-a-million Golden Bachelor, full of integrity and compassion. He’s incredibly kind and, I might add, very handsome! I know you’re all going to want to join him on his journey to fall in love again.”
Armytage’s return to the Bachelor franchise is likely to bring a mix of warmth and curiosity, as the series moves into new territory by spotlighting relationships built on life experience rather than youthful firsts.
Meet the ladies
Angela from The Golden Bachelor
Angela, 52, Psychotherapist, VIC. What is your worst habit? Putting on my bathrobe as soon as I walk in the door.
Bianca from The Golden Bachelor
Bianca, 51, Radio Presenter, QLD. What do you have to offer a potential partner? I’m kind, compassionate and very funny, and willing to embrace the Golden Bachelor’s kids, if he has any.
Catherine from The Golden Bachelor
Catherine, 56, Interior Designer, NSW. What is your proudest achievement to date? That would be motherhood. I’ve set myself some goals over the years to rebuild my confidence, including bodybuilding.
Elizete from The Golden Bachelor
Elizete, 54, Property Manager, NSW. Have you been in love before? Yes, about three times. My husband of 15 years, my second partner, who was 13 years my junior, and my last love who was 20 years my senior.
Gera from The Golden Bachelor
Gera, 52, Real Estate Business Owner, WA. What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life? Getting out of my comfort zone. My best friend helped me overcome that by asking me to walk the catwalk and get up and speak about myself.
Hamidah from The Golden Bachelor
Hamidah, 60, Disability Support Worker, NSW. What did your family think when you told them you were going on the show? I told my daughter that I might be bringing home another dad, and her response was, “Another one?” This will be the fourth, as I’ve been married three times already.
Jan from The Golden Bachelor
Jan, 66, Age Transformation Coach, NSW. What are your relationship deal-breakers? To be able to trust someone, so I’m looking for honesty and loyalty.
Jane from The Golden Bachelor
Jane, 60, Interior Designer, NSW. Why did you apply for the show? I believe there is love out there, and I’m ready to meet someone I can potentially marry.
Janette from The Golden Bachelor
Janette, 61, Pilates Studio Owner, VIC. What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life? Surviving a heart attack at the age of 50, which was a near death experience.
Katrina from The Golden Bachelor
Katrina, 55, NICU Nurse, QLD. What is your proudest achievement to date? My two beautiful daughters, who are my strongest supporters.
Kim from The Golden Bachelor
Kim, 60, Doctor, QLD. What are your hobbies/interests outside of work? I love motorsports and cars and enjoy racing my Porsche on a racetrack.
Laura from The Golden Bachelor
Laura, 64, Primary School Teacher, QLD. Why did you apply for Bachelor? Why not? It’s definitely my time.
Lauren from The Golden Bachelor
Lauren, 60, Dressage Team Manager, QLD. What are you looking for in a partner? Someone I can build a connection with. Someone who will accept me for who I am.
Linda from The Golden Bachelor
Linda, 61, Stylist, QLD. What’s the biggest obstacle you have overcome in your life? I was recently in a very toxic relationship, and in the same year I lost my mum and dog. Also my son moved out, so it was a challenging time.
Nicolette from The Golden Bachelor
Nicolette, 55, Singer, NSW. What do you have to offer a potential partner? I’m fierce, sassy with a punk attitude.
Pip from The Golden Bachelor
Pip, 60, Hoist Operator, VIC. Are you a romantic? I’m a hopeless romantic.
Shamse from The Golden Bachelor
Shamse, 60, Interior Designer, VIC. Why did you apply for the show? I’m not really sure, but I am ready. My head warns of the pain, but my heart contradicts, saying, “Go for it!”
Shana from The Golden Bachelor
Shana, 60, Retired (Education Sales Executive), NSW. Do you have any regrets? I let my pride stand in the way of going back to my husband, who was my soulmate. He has since passed away and I regret not being able to spend those last years with him.
Sunny from The Golden Bachelor
Sunny, 58, CEO, NSW. What has your experience with online dating been like? I can tell you one thing – so many young guys contact me. I just couldn’t put myself to date anyone younger than my son.
Terri from The Golden Bachelor
Terri, 61, Property Investor, VIC. Do you still believe in love? My ex-husband was obviously the greatest love. When you get burnt that badly it’s hard to throw yourself into something else. But you never know
what’s around that corner.