The Bachelor’s Locky Gilbert recalls ‘devastating’ moment he thought the show was cancelled

‘Finished for good’: The Bachelor’s Locky Gilbert reveals his journey to find love was almost derailed… as he recalls ‘devastating’ moment during filming

The Bachelor’s Locklan ‘Locky’ Gilbert has recalled the ‘devastating’ moment he thought the show would be completely cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

The 30-year-old had already begun filming for the dating series in March and was down to his final ten ladies when the global pandemic forced the world into lockdown.

And speaking to News.com.au, the reality star detailed his heartbreak after the show’s host Osher Gunsberg hinted to him that the season was ‘finished for good.’ 

‘Thought my journey was over’: The Bachelor’s Locklan ‘Locky’ Gilbert has recalled the ‘devastating’ moment he thought filming for the show would be completely cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 crisis

Locky explained: ‘[Osher] came up and was like, “We have to shut down, there’s a pandemic.”

‘I was just devastated, because not only had he said, “We need to shut down”, but he was leaning toward, “We’re probably finished for good” – because it’s never been done before. So I thought my Bachelor journey was over.’

The show’s trailers have teased the dramatic moment, with TV veteran Osher, 46, telling a shocked Locky: ‘We have to stop production, we can’t keep everybody safe.

‘You’re going to have to say goodbye to all of them tonight.’

Shock news: The 30-year-old had already begun filming for the dating series in March and was down to his final ten ladies when the global pandemic forced the world into lockdown

Shock news: The 30-year-old had already begun filming for the dating series in March and was down to his final ten ladies when the global pandemic forced the world into lockdown

Unexpected: The reality star detailed his heartbreak after the show's host Osher Gunsberg [pictured] hinted to him that the season was 'finished for good'

Unexpected: The reality star detailed his heartbreak after the show’s host Osher Gunsberg [pictured] hinted to him that the season was ‘finished for good’

Luckily, the hunk continued getting to know the bevvy of beauties thanks to two episodes worth of virtual Zoom dates.

The Zoom dates were in stark contrast to the show’s usual over-the-top lavish dates in idyllic, flung locations.

Before filming resumed, Locky explained that everyone had to undergo a COVID-19 test.

Strict hygiene measures were also enforced and ‘all crew were in masks and gowns and shields,’ Locky claimed.

Making do: Luckily, the hunk continued getting to know the bevvy of beauties thanks to two episodes worth of virtual Zoom dates

Making do: Luckily, the hunk continued getting to know the bevvy of beauties thanks to two episodes worth of virtual Zoom dates

Safety measures: Before filming resumed, Locky explained that everyone had to undergo a COVID-19 test

Safety measures: Before filming resumed, Locky explained that everyone had to undergo a COVID-19 test

Locky’s season of the Bachelorette was marred with trouble from the get-go after casting directors reportedly had a tough time finding women to date the new leading man.

Dozens of ‘disinterested’ bachelorettes apparently quit after learning that the former Australian Survivor star spends six months a year living in Bali, where he owns the Four Elements Adventure tourism company.

A production insider told Woman’s Day on Monday: ‘There was a revolving door of women; it was quite a headache for casting.’

The Bachelor premieres on Wednesday, August 12 from 7:30pm on Channel 10.

Upcoming: The Bachelor premieres on Wednesday, August 12 from 7:30pm on Channel 10

Upcoming: The Bachelor premieres on Wednesday, August 12 from 7:30pm on Channel 10