‘The Bachelor New Zealand’ Almost Finds Its Man But He’s Not Eligible

“The Bachelor New Zealand” has may be found its first bachelor, but he doesn’t think he is eligible. Sam Mickell said he has been approached to join the show, but he knows too much about what goes on behind the scenes of reality shows to be qualified.

The Diary reports that Mickell, who was an employee of MediaWorks board member Julie Christie, was a candidate to be the first ever Kiwi “bachelor” for the upcoming reality show. However, he admitted that his experience and knowledge about how things work behind the scenes of reality TV should have prevented the producers from asking him.

He was the locations producer for “The Bachelor” in the U.S. when the show filmed in NZ. It was part of his role in Tourism New Zealand, where he was employed. He was also the locations producer for “America’s Next Top Model” episodes in the country. So when he was asked to be the star of “The Bachelor NZ,” he didn’t think he was qualified.

“The [producers] got in touch with me about being on it. I think a lot of guys have been approached,” he said. “But I am not sure whether they should have…”

He further explained, “I know how it is constructed, and what goes on behind the scenes. SO. I’m not sure I should be eligible.”

Christie cleared that she did not have anything to do with the producers asking Mickell. As a MediaWorks board member, she doesn’t get involved in the daily operations of TV3, the network which will air the show.

It doesn’t matter, though. Mickell isn’t the new Bachelor anyway. Group entertainment content director Andrew Szusterman told The Diary that Mickell wasn’t selected.

“It’s not him. We have not finalised who the bachelor will be yet. Julie Christie is not involved in casting decisions. That is made by Eyeworks [the producer company behind “The Bachelor NZ”] and MediaWorks – it is not a board decision,” Szusterman said.

The latest report is that they have narrowed down their search to three candidates, but they won’t reveal the face of the lucky man until the show goes on air. The show is also still looking for the bachelorettes. TV3 posted an ad in November to look for single women who are willing to fight for the Bachelor’s heart in the show.

Filming for the first ever “The Bachelor NZ,” the local version of the U.S. hit dating reality show, will kick off in January. The show will hit on screen sometime in 2015.