Gerry Turner Urges Mel Owens to Embrace Older Contestants on The Golden Bachelor
The upcoming season of ABC’s reality dating show, The Golden Bachelor, is generating buzz after its new lead, Mel Owens, announced a controversial age limit for contestants. Owens, who is 66 years old, revealed he will only consider women aged between 45 and 60. This decision has prompted Gerry Turner, the show’s inaugural star, to voice his concerns.
Turner’s Call for Inclusivity
In an interview with Fox News, Turner expressed disappointment regarding Owens’ age restriction. He stated, “I think it would be unfortunate, and I really think he will have a change of heart in this.” Turner believes that Owens will eventually recognize the value and charm of women over 60, emphasizing the confidence they possess.
Reflecting on his own experience during the show’s first season, Turner noted the significant contributions of the older contestants. “The people that I met in my season, I go through them, and it’s like, they’re all a gift,” he remarked. He encouraged Owens to “ignore the number” and focus on the individual qualities of the contestants.
Background on The Golden Bachelor
The first season of The Golden Bachelor aired in 2023, featuring women aged between 60 and 75. Turner ultimately found love with Theresa Nast, whom he married in January 2024. Their relationship took a tragic turn when they announced their divorce just three months later, coinciding with Turner’s cancer diagnosis.
Owens, a former player for the Los Angeles Rams and a lawyer, defended his decision to cut women over 60 by stating, “This is not The Silver Bachelor, this is The Golden Bachelor.” He conveyed to producers that he preferred a younger pool of contestants, although they reassured him that older contestants would still be appealing.
The second season of The Golden Bachelor is set to premiere on September 24, 2024. As the show aims to connect individuals seeking love in their later years, Turner’s input serves as a reminder of the richness that diverse age representation can bring to reality television.
