Tanner Tolbert, a familiar face from the Bachelor franchise, recently shared his thoughts on the decision to include contestants from the Golden Bachelor in the upcoming season of Bachelor in Paradise (BiP). During an episode of Kaitlyn Bristowe’s podcast, “Off the Vine,” Tolbert expressed his confusion about the producers’ choice, labeling it as “weird.”
The 38-year-old reality star, who found love with his wife Jade Roper on season 2 of BiP, stated, “We actually liked watching the Golden [Bachelor] stuff, but I feel like they’re trying to jam it down our throat at every turn.” He questioned the necessity of mixing the two shows, wondering how the dynamics would play out. “Are they going to be living in the same house? Are there going to be two separate camps?” he pondered.
Bristowe chimed in, teasingly asking if they would be sharing the same “boom boom room.” Tolbert responded candidly, “I don’t know if I would feel as comfortable hanging out with grandpa next door.” His light-hearted yet serious tone highlighted his concerns about the potential awkwardness of having different age groups living in close quarters.
Tolbert also expressed a desire for the Golden Bachelor contestants to maintain their dignity while in Paradise. He noted that he doesn’t want them to “lose their purity in Paradise,” while also ensuring that the younger contestants do not feel pressured to be overly respectful or kind in their interactions. “We want both of those camps to stay separate,” he said. “I’m a little worried about it.”
The upcoming season of Bachelor in Paradise promises to shake things up, especially with the inclusion of Golden Bachelor stars Leslie Fhima and Gary Levingston. Alongside them, the cast features familiar faces from previous seasons, including Jess and Lexi from Joey Graziadei’s season, and several contestants from Grant Ellis’ and Jenn Tran’s seasons.
Host Jesse Palmer has teased that this season will be full of surprises, declaring, “It’s time to party” in an exclusive first look at the new season. The teaser hints at exciting confessional interviews and challenges that await the contestants.
While the format of the show raises questions about how relationships will unfold between the younger and older contestants, bartender Wells Adams previously suggested that viewers should keep an open mind regarding age-gap romances. He noted, “This happens all the time in the real world. Look at Bill Belichick right now. It’s happening in front of us.” Adams believes that the life experiences of the Golden contestants could provide valuable insights and advice for the younger cast members.
Some participants, like former Bachelorette winner Dale Moss, have expressed enthusiasm about the twist, viewing the Golden contestants as potential mentors rather than romantic interests. Moss stated, “I’ve definitely got older women in my dating history. I don’t even think about someone’s age [or the] gap. I think The Golden Bachelor [stars] they’re going to be more guidance and friendships.”
As the premiere date approaches, Bachelor Nation fans are left wondering how the dynamics between the two groups will unfold. Will the Golden contestants find love among their younger counterparts, or will they form a supportive community within their own age group?
With the unique blend of contestants, this season of Bachelor in Paradise is sure to bring unexpected twists and heartfelt moments, making it a must-watch for fans of the franchise. As Tolbert and others have highlighted, the interactions between the Golden Bachelor contestants and the younger cast could lead to both humorous and poignant moments, adding a new layer to the beloved reality series.
As the excitement builds for the new season, viewers are eager to see how these dynamics will play out, and whether the inclusion of Golden Bachelor contestants will enhance the experience or create more confusion in the already complex world of reality dating. One thing is for sure: the upcoming season of Bachelor in Paradise is set to be unlike any other.