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The Bachelor: Surprising reason Channel 10 has three leads again this year
EXCLUSIVE: An insider reveals why the network cast three reasonably unknown men for season 11.
Channel 10 surprised fans on Sunday by announcing that this year's season of The Bachelor would once again feature three leads.
Wesley Senna Cortes, Ben Waddell and Luke Bateman are all looking for love on what the network has described as “the most romantic season yet”, with filming relocating to Melbourne for the very first time.
Many fans were left disappointed by the news following rumours that there would be a big-name celebrity fronting the show in an attempt to win ratings back.
Former rugby league footballer Braith Anasta confirmed last month he had turned down an invitation to be the next Bachelor, with The Sunday Telegraph reporting he was offered around $500,000 for the gig.
Meanwhile, Dr Chris Brown also previously confirmed he had been asked to front the show but politely declined.
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Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, a show insider explained why Channel 10 opted for three reasonably unknown, everyday men instead of a high-profile star.
“The short answer is: no actual celebrities would say yes or wanted anything to do with the franchise,” they said. “The show is long past its heyday and for a star to sign up now would almost mean they're admitting to being washed up too.
“In the end, Channel 10 went with three guys again as it created a lot of hype last year and was better than pinning all their hopes on one suitor.”
The source added that this was also the reason why The Bachelorette didn't return last year, after failing to convince any big names to look for love on the reality show.
Radio queen Jackie 'O' Henderson, Dancing With The Stars judge Sharna Burgess and Rebel Wilson have all publicly turned down the role over the past couple of years.
Who are the new Bachelors?
Described as “Brazil’s hottest export”, Wesley moved to Australia to study theology and is hoping to find his soulmate who he can build a life with on the show. He is also a model, influencer and self-proclaimed “professional actor” with over 13,600 followers on Instagram.
“It’s a huge honour given what the show means to Australia, but also to represent my culture,” he said in a statement from Channel 10. “It’s not every day that you have such an incredible team helping you find love. I couldn’t be more excited.”
Ben Waddell is also a model with over 13,800 Instagram followers and was recently linked to Pip Edwards shortly after her ex Michael Clarke’s infamous Noosa brawl with Karl Stefanovic.
Daily Mail also reports Ben took legal action against Netflix in 2021 after claiming the streaming service “stole” his idea for Zac Efron’s Down to Earth documentary series. However, he has since dropped the case.
“It’s such a surreal experience to take part in the new Bachelor series, and while I feel incredibly lucky it’s also very daunting,” he said. “I’ll be going in with an open mind and open heart to find the girl of my dreams.”
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Rounding out the trio is former NRL player Luke Bateman, who played for the Canberra Raiders from 2015 to 2018 and now works as a lumberjack.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m feeling all the first date nerves – dialled up to 11,” he said. “I'm looking for a partner who I can build and share a life with, a genuine person who makes me laugh and wants to start a family.”
The upcoming eleventh season of The Bachelor will once again be hosted by Osher Günsberg and is “coming soon” to Channel 10.
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