The Bachelor’s Locky Gilbert finally explains why he wore an earpiece on the show – after an ex-contestant alleged he was ‘fed lines’ by producers
The Bachelor’s Locky Gilbert has denied hurtful rumours he was a producer’s puppet who followed instructions via an earpiece throughout filming.
During an Instagram Q&A on Friday, the former Survivor star, 31, was asked about the false claims he was fed lines and ‘conversation starters’ during the early episodes.
He clarified: ‘The earpiece is only used for rose ceremonies so I know when to call a name so they can set cameras. I was never told what to say or do.’
Fake news: The Bachelor’s Locky Gilbert (pictured with girlfriend Irena Srbinovska) has denied hurtful rumours he was a producer’s puppet who followed instructions via an earpiece
Locky added cheekily: ‘I think production would have loved [it] if I did.’
The earpiece allegations were first made by contestant Nadine Kodsi in an interview with Daily Mail Australia conducted before the season premiere.
Nadine claimed that was just a ‘puppet’ being controlled by the producers.
‘I was never told what to say’: During an Instagram Q&A on Friday, Locky, 31, was asked about the false claims he was fed lines and ‘conversation starters’ during the early episodes
She also alleged that he received instructions via an earpiece; however, this is not uncommon for reality shows like The Bachelor.
When similar claims were made about 2017 Bachelor Matty Johnson, a Channel 10 spokesperson said: ‘The Bachelor or Bachelorette are occasionally required to be connected to the director if there are technical difficulties with cameras, audio and lighting.
‘Once they get the all clear, they can continue with the Rose Ceremony proceedings. The Bachelor or Bachelorette never wears an earpiece during a cocktail party or on dates.’
Claims: The earpiece allegations were first made by contestant Nadine Kodsi (pictured) in an interview with Daily Mail Australia conducted before the season premiere
Nothing out of the ordinary: Nadine alleged that Locky received instructions via an earpiece; however, this is not uncommon for reality shows like The Bachelor
Matty also addressed to the furore surrounding Locky’s use of the earpiece on The Babble podcast in August.
‘They [producers] try to never talk to you unless it’s critical because they don’t want to have any impeding effect on it being free flowing,’ he said.
‘Production would have never stepped in like that, it’s not going to make the edit so it’s not they’re not going to make you redo it again because it makes it more awkward. Production never step in.’
Statement: When similar claims were made about 2017 Bachelor Matty J (right, with Laura Byrne), a 10 spokesperson said: ‘The Bachelor or Bachelorette are occasionally required to be connected to the director if there are technical difficulties with cameras, audio and lighting’
Elsewhere in his Q&A on Friday, Locky explained why he now pronounces his girlfriend Irena Srbinovska’s first name ‘ee-renna’ when he used to say ‘eye-reen-ah’ on the show.
He said he was told not to use the traditional European pronunciation on camera because it would be difficult for viewers to understand.
‘So with Irena’s name, we didn’t call her ee-renna on the show because it’s very hard to say, so it’s a little bit easier for production and everyone [to say eye-reen-ah]. But now that we’re out, I try my best to say it the correct way, which is ee-renna,’ he said.
‘That’s right,’ added Irena, 31, with a smile.
The adventurer tour guide also revealed what his neck tattoo says: ‘He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.’
Change: Elsewhere in his Q&A on Friday, Locky explained why he now pronounces his girlfriend Irena’s (right) first name ‘ee-renna’ when he used to say ‘eye-reen-ah’ on the show
Lost in translation: He said he was told not to use the traditional European pronunciation on camera because it would be difficult for viewers to understand. ‘But now that we’re out, I try my best to say it the correct way, which is ee-renna,’ he added