Channel Nine has revealed the 20 women who will compete for widower Barry “Bear” Myrden’s heart on the forthcoming Australian edition of The Golden Bachelor, which was filmed earlier this year in Sydney and will air on Channel Nine and 9Now.
The contestants include Angela, 52, a psychotherapist from Victoria; Bianca Dye, 51, a TV and radio star from Queensland; Catherine, 56, an interior designer from New South Wales; Elizete, 54, a property manager from New South Wales; Gera, 52, a real estate business owner from Western Australia; Hamidah, 60, a disability support worker from New South Wales; Jan, 66, an age transformation coach from New South Wales; Jane, 60, an interior designer from New South Wales; Janette, 61, a Pilates studio owner from Victoria; Katrina, 55, a neonatal intensive care unit nurse from Queensland; Kim, 60, a doctor from Queensland; Laura, 64, a primary school teacher from Queensland; Linda, 61, a stylist from Queensland; Lauren, 60, a dressage team manager from Queensland; Nicolette, 55, a singer from New South Wales; Pip, 60, a hoist operator from Victoria; Shamse, 60, an interior designer; Shana, 60, a retired education sales executive; Sunny, 58, a CEO; and Terri, 61, a property investor.
Samantha Armytage will host the debut season. Producers have described the series as a more mature, heartfelt take on the long-running dating franchise, saying Myrden brings a lifetime of love and loss to the screen.
Daily Mail Australia reported that Myrden was filmed in March piloting a retro Italian speedboat across Sydney Harbour before meeting the women, and quoted friends saying he had been encouraged by family and friends to seek a new relationship after being widowed. A friend told the outlet that Myrden’s sons had urged him to date women closer to his own age, and an insider described him as "not your usual reality TV type," adding that he is "charming, intelligent and has really lived a full life. He’s been through love, loss and now he’s ready to open his heart again. Women are going to adore him."
The Golden Bachelor franchise proved successful in the United States, and fans called for an Australian version following the U.S. premiere. Channel Nine has not announced a specific premiere date for the Australian series but confirmed it will air on Channel Nine and the network’s streaming service, 9Now.