Barry “Bear” Myrden is the Bachelor on the 2025 Australian edition of The Golden Bachelor, tasked with finding his perfect match among 20 women in their 50s and 60s. Samantha Armytage serves as the host for Australia’s first adaptation of the American series.
In the premiere episode, Bear gave his very first rose to Jan, a 66-year-old age transformation coach, after she made a memorable first impression. Following a cheerful evening by the harbour, three women were sent home in the opening rose ceremony, marking the start of the emotional eliminations still to come this season.
Jan’s reward for catching Bear’s attention was a romantic evening at the Sydney Opera House, where they enjoyed a ballet performance and shared stories about their pasts. Jan revealed she had been “badly burned” by a former partner who had been unfaithful for three years. Despite their connection, Bear ultimately felt more drawn to other contestants.
“This is so hard, I so absolutely loved the ballet and jumping into everything feet first,” Bear told Jan during her elimination. “I wanted a rose tonight, I wanted to continue the journey.”
Jan’s heartfelt exit marked one of the first emotional eliminations of The Golden Bachelor Australia 2025, showing that even early connections can fade under the pressures of romance and competition.
Author’s summary: The first episode set an emotional tone as Jan’s heartfelt farewell reminded viewers how fragile connections can be in the search for true love.