The Bachelor producers ‘randomly’ hunt for contestants ‘in BARS and on social media’ ahead of pilot Jimmy Nicholson’s upcoming season
Hunky pilot James ‘Jimmy’ Nicholson was confirmed as Australia’s new Bachelor just last week.
But it appears Channel 10 may have had some difficulty casting ladies for the show via the traditional route of application for the 2021 season.
According to The Daily Telegraph, producers have been searching for contestants in local bars and on social media to see if they’d like to appear on the show.
Hard: Hunky pilot James ‘Jimmy’ Nicholson was confirmed as Australia’s new Bachelor last week – but it appears Channel 10 may have had some difficulty casting the show
A source told the publication: ‘I was having drinks at Ryan’s Bar in Sydney, and a producer randomly came up to me about going on the show – it was a bit awkward.’
The source continued: ‘I’ve also been hit up a few times over the years through both my Instagram and Facebook.’
Daily Mail Australia have contacted a representative for Channel 10 for further comment.
Usually, the network has been known to offer contestants the chance to apply online via MyCasting.Net, so it’s unusual producers would go to such an effort for this year’s line-up.
However, Channel Ten boss Beverley McGarvey recently admitted that it wasn’t easy finding a diverse contestant to star on the show.
Bizarre: A source told the publication: ‘I was having drinks at Ryan’s Bar in Sydney, and a producer randomly came up to me about going on the show – it was a bit awkward’ Pictured: Jimmy in his pilot gear
‘Bachelor is certainly not the easiest show to cast. It’s a particular type of show, and there are certain cultural groups that don’t want to be part of that,’ she told TV Tonight.
‘That is absolutely fine and it is disrespectful of us to try and encourage particular groups to be part of something they don’t want to be part of.’
Ms McGarvey went on to say this year’s Bachelor cast is a mix of ladies from different backgrounds.
‘We have worked very hard to cast the right show, and also ensure that the cast is representative of the audience that will be watching it,’ she said.
Unlucky in love: Jimmy told Sydney Confidential he’d signed up for The Bachelor because his career as a Jetstar pilot had made it difficult for him to find a long-term partner
Meanwhile, Channel 10 officially unveiled commercial pilot Jimmy – who previously dated last year’s runner-up Bella Varelis – as Australia’s 2021 Bachelor last Wednesday.
The gorgeous hunk – who is of New Zealand and Fijian heritage – told Sydney Confidential he’d signed up for The Bachelor because his career had made it difficult for him to find a long-term partner.
‘I was never in the same spot for too long,’ he explained.
The Bachelor’s ninth season will air on Channel 10 later this year
Coming soon: The Bachelor’s ninth season will air on Channel 10 later this year