For years, reality dating shows have focused on twenty- and thirty-somethings, but Australia’s newest television sensation is here to prove that it’s never too late to find love.
The international breakout hit The Golden Bachelor has arrived, bringing big-hearted romance to Australian screens. And at the centre of it all is Bear, a 61-year-old Sydneysider showing the country that love stories only get better with age.
Bear has lived a life filled with love, adventure and, sadly, heartbreak. He moved to Sydney’s northern beaches in 1998 with his late wife Audrey, where they raised three sons together. But in 2011, tragedy struck when Bear lost both Audrey and his mother in the same year. For years afterward, his world revolved around raising his boys.
Now, with his sons grown, Bear is ready to take a leap of faith and search for love once again.
“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.”
And he won’t be taking this journey alone. The 20 women joining Bear are from all across the country — and they’re just as inspiring as he is. From a NICU nurse and a psychotherapist to a radio presenter, doctor and even a hoist operator, these women bring with them a lifetime of stories, resilience and a real love of life.
Ranging in age from their early 50s through to their mid-60s, they know what it means to love, lose, and keep moving forward. Now, just like Bear, they’re ready to open their hearts again, proving romance has no expiry date.
Host Samantha Armytage is just as excited to introduce the nation to its first Golden Bachelor.
“I can’t wait to introduce Bear to Australia,” she said.
“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.”
For many older Aussies, The Golden Bachelor will feel like a long-overdue change on our screens. It’s a reminder that love doesn’t retire, that it’s never too late for a second chance, and that connection is just as magical in your 50s, 60s or beyond as it was when you were younger.
Read more: ‘Never too late’: The secret to finding love later in life
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