10 more days: Final countdown begins for 'The Bachelorette Australia' premiere
The final countdown is on, with only 10 more days till the highly anticipated "The Bachelorette Australia" series is set to air on Channel 10.
The romantic reality series follows down-to-earth beauty Sam Frost, Australia’s first bachelorette, in her quest to find true love - again.
Frost, a fan favourite, first appeared on screen as a contestant on the 2014 season of "The Bachelor".
Having won not only the heart of the nation, but also the heart of Bachelor Blake Garvey, Frost was later presented with a diamond ring rumoured to be worth $58,000...only to have the proposal rescinded in less than 24 hours, with Garvey running off with show runner-up Louise Pillidge.
“When Blake broke up with me, it was so devastating and humiliating that I didn’t leave the house,” Frost said in the series preview. “To have all the media scrutiny and everyone in Australia knowing about what had happened. And he did absolutely break my heart.”
After the shocking plot twist and unpredictable breakup, Network Ten’s chief programming officer Beverley McGarvey said it was only fair that Sam gets a second chance at finding love.
“Australia was captivated by Sam in last year’s season of The Bachelor and we are delighted to welcome her back for our very first The Bachelorette,” she said. “It will be fascinating to watch as the tables are turned and the most eligible bachelors in Australia compete to win Sam’s heart”.
Though it took some convincing at first, Frost ultimately agreed to be pursued by this season's 14 eligible bachelors.
“I’ve decided to take a leap of faith and try my luck one more time.”
Meet the strapping suitors
Network Ten has unveiled the fourteen eligible bachelors vying for a shot at being ‘Mr. Frost’.
From finance professionals through to plumbers; international models and footballers, the final 14 contestants were hand-picked after a nationwide search involving thousands of potential suitors:
Alex, 35, financial consultant, NSW
Dave B, 30, plumber, NSW
Davey, 25, carpenter, NSW
David, 31, international model, VIC
Drew, 31, sleep technician, QLD
Kayne, 25, mining electrician, WA
Kieren, 28, exercise psychologist, VIC
Luke, 28, marketing manager, NSW
Michael, 34, professional football player, QLD
Richie, 30, professional abseiler, WA
Sasha, 30, construction manager, NSW
Shane, 27, charity ambassador, QLD
Tony, 32, airline cabin manager, QLD
Will, 31, musician, WA
Despite their dazzling smiles, designer suits and charm, Network Ten came under media scrutiny this week for the predominantly white casting.
Production company Endemol Shine Australia responded by telling news.com.au of "The Bachelorette" casting process: “We cast each contestant based on their own merits. Race is not a contributing factor to our selection criteria, all eligible bachelors are considered regardless of their background.”
"The Bachelorette Australia" will premiere on Sept. 23, 2015 on Ten.