The Golden Bachelor‘s debut Down Under saw Barry “Bear” Myrden find love with Sunny Long.
While rumours were swirling that Bear had connected with host Samantha Armytage, he ultimately sailed off into the sunset with Sunny during the final rose ceremony.
The Golden Bachelor is dedicated to helping older Australians find love, and after its 2025 debut, fans are excited to see more love stories unfold.
However, it might air in 2026 later than planned, due to more delays.
Find out everything we know about the show’s renewal below.
Will The Golden Bachelor Australia return in 2026?
While applications are already open for the 2026 season, Sydney Confidential has reported that the show’s air date has been delayed for a second time.
Following the show’s success, the publication reported it has been delayed until September to enable the producers hope to deliver successful ratings for a second year in a row.
This year’s season is expected to be bigger due to the leads.
“Are you in your 50s or 60s and looking for love in your golden years? Or do you know someone who deserves another shot at their happily ever after?” a casting notice reads, where women can apply, or people can nominate their loved ones.
“We are looking for Australia’s next Golden Bachelor and many incredible women who are excited to find love again. Join us today for an adventure of a lifetime!”
Who will be the next Golden Bachelor?
While casting is still open for the leading man online, two men have already been spotted filming the show.
Earlier this year, Ed Savage and Mathew Collett were photographed on set in Sydney.
Sydney Confidential reported that while Ed has remained under the radar, Mathew’s dating history has been raising eyebrows.
The Newcastle-based businessman and father-of-three has been linked to several high-profile women, such as heiress Sophie Ward, Network Seven personality Adene Cassidy, anfd PR guru, Sally Burleigh.
He has also worked alongside Guy Sebastian, while the singer was an ambassador for the Bachelor’s sunscreen brand, Solar-D.
“Firstly, he has been a very devoted father to his three kids, who are now in their 20s,” a friend of his told the publication.
Before both men were photographed filming the show, Graig Trinder, who was previously linked to 2025 star Bianca Dye, was reportedly considered.
He was allegedly cast for the 2025 season before Bear was chosen at the 11th hour.
Before Matt and Ed were revealed, one source told PEDESTRIAN.TV that three men were being considered.
“They’re all totally different, so producers are basically running three casting processes at the same time. It’s… a lot,” they told the publication.
When will filming for The Golden Bachelor Australia 2026 begin?
Filming began in February, so it’s fair to say that the show has already been recorded, or because there are two leads, finishing up at the time of publication.
Insiders told New Idea that the network is determined to avoid any more off-screen scandals, such as the next suitor being romantically linked to Sam again!
Will Samantha Armytage return to host The Golden Bachelor Australia?
Samantha is expected to reprise her role as host of the reality dating show.
In fact, New Idea understands that Sam will once again have a say over who steps into The Golden Bachelor role.
Before the debut of the 2025 series, Sam revealed that she had done chemistry tests with the final three men being considered to lead the show.
“I did get to meet them, the final three before we chose, and Bear was the very obvious choice,” she told Yahoo! Lifestyle.
After the success of the first season, producers reportedly want to make the right pick for season two, and Sam will play a key role in that.
“Samantha’s gut instinct was proven right last time, so she has more power than ever,” a production source told New Idea. “If she doesn’t feel it, it won’t happen.”
Will there be a Golden Bachelorette?
Channel Nine has not confirmed any news of a potential Golden Bachelorette spin-off.
Despite this, many women have already thrown their hat in the ring to be the leading lady, if the show gets a green light.
Janette Bendle, who vied for Bear’s heart on the first season of The Golden Bachelor, told New Idea that she would be up for the role.
“Yes, yes I would,” she told us. “I just say yes, even if it scares me. I say yes.”
Big Brother Australia housemate Jane, 67, also revealed that she would like to find love on the reality TV show.
“I wouldn’t mind being on the Golden Bachelor; maybe I could be the Golden woman,” she told New Idea.
When asked what type of man she’d be looking for, Jane quipped, “An honest person with a sense of humour! You’d have to have a sense of humour to be with me.”
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