Who will the Australian bachelor for 2022 be?
Network 10 is renowned for keeping the identity of The Bachelor top secret to the last minute. But the network has dropped us a couple of clues worth taking note of.
In early January, 10 shared its annual callout for wannabe contestants to apply for the new season. The statement read: "Are you searching for that special someone but just can’t seem to find them? The Bachelor is back with a whole new look for 2022 and we’re looking for single men and women who are looking for the love of their life."
Yes, note the "men and women" request—which suggests they may have found a bisexual man to helm season 10. This would follow on from the refreshing Bachelorette season of 2021 which was led by Brooke Blurton who identifies as pansexual.
To add, you might have noticed that the franchise balances between familiar faces, and ordinary-Joe's as the bachelor—and given Jimmy Nicholson was the latter, there's a chance they'll go for someone who's already in the public eye.
In fact, reality TV website The Wash, has reported that at least two men are set to take on the leading role. However, Network Ten is yet to confirm the strong rumours.
Von Hofe is a Melbourne-based basketball player who has been snapped on what looks to be a date with a blonde woman, apparently named Ella, with a rose in her hand.
Not only is Von Hofe's Instagram on private, which is odd enough for a public personality, but host Osher Günsberg shut down the rumours when chatting with B105's Abby Coleman.
"I don't know what this is!" he told the radio host, however, fans think that might not be so true.
As for Malucelli, he's a 35-year-old fitness and life coach whose LinkedIn page states that he "found a company that speciali[s]ed in natural nutritional products and detoxification."
While these two seem like strong candidates, the last few years have seen a favourite contender in Tony Armstrong, an Indigenous former AFL player turned TV sports presenter.
Tony would bring some much needed diversity to the show's lineup, which has been rightfully criticised in the past due to its lack of representation (again, Blurton's season was historic given she is a proud Noongar-Yamatji woman).
Another bachelor rumoured to be in the running for the gig is former Bachelorette star, Adam Todd. After appearing on Ali Oetjen's 2018 season, King has maintained a following on Instagram and recently sent them into spiral after sharing an update over New Years, per So Dramatic!'s podcast.
"Found me some roses in the garden, does anyone want them? Really excited for what’s coming in 2022. I hope you all have an amazing New Years," he sneakily wrote.
Who are the contestants on The Bachelor Australia 2022?
After Network 10 put out its casting call for male and female contestants to come forward, we have no doubt we'll soon find out who'll be in the running for this year's final rose. We'll update you as more information rolls in!
When will The Bachelor Australia premiere in 2022?
With Network 10 now casting the show and filming to take place in the months ahead, we suspect the new season will air sometime in July or August, as has been the formula for past seasons.
This article will be updated as more news is released.
