It really is an ageing population when The Golden Bachelor is coming to our screens after US smash hit
Samantha Armytage, who left Channel 7 in August after 21 years, has jumped over to the Nine Network to host an Australian version of ‘The Golden Bachelor’.
Originally launched by ABC in the US,’ The Golden Bachelor’ took the world by storm when 72-year-old Gerry Turner, a retired restaurateur and widower, stepped into the spotlight.
With his heartwarming quest for love, Turner captured the hearts of millions, culminating in a finale that drew a staggering 6.1 million viewers – making it the most-watched Bachelor episode in three years.
The series captivated the nation and ABC sought to capitalize with a live special called ‘The Golden Wedding’ to celebrate the big day. The love story had a bittersweet ending with the couple parting ways three months later.
The franchise has now expanded in the US with ‘The Golden Bachelorette’, starring 72-year-old Joan Vassos, who previously competed on Gerry’s season. Joan is ready to find love with a new crop of silver foxes, proving that romance doesn’t have an expiration date.
Nine is keeping fairly tight-lipped on Sam’s decision but she told News Corp in August:
“I had to sit with myself here and ask, ‘What does my next five to 10 years look like?’
“I’m 47, so it was a bit of a stocktake. I’m still productive. I want to make good TV.”
Only time will tell if she has made the right choice. She did lift the number of viewers who switched on for ‘Farmer Wants a Wife’ by 17% when she became the host.