The Golden Bachelor’s Leslie Fhima recently addressed rumors about her future with The Bachelor franchise. 65-year-old Leslie, a dance instructor from Minnesota, made her television debut as a contestant vying for 72-year-old Gerry Turner’s final rose. After a thrilling season of dates and drama, Leslie made it to Gerry’s final two. Though he told her she was “the one,” he turned around and gave his final rose to 70-year-old Theresa Nist instead. Leslie was devastated, but she put on a brave face and even attended Gerry and Theresa’s lavish Golden Bachelor wedding.
After Leslie had her heart ripped out on national television at the end of The Golden Bachelor season 1, there was a lot of speculation about her future with the franchise. Many saw her as the natural choice to be the Bachelor spin-off’s first female lead, but the producers cast 61-year-old Joan Vassos as The Golden Bachelorette instead. There was little information about how the decision was made, and whether Leslie turned the role down. Recently, Leslie broke her silence and openly discussed details about negotiations for the role of The Golden Bachelorette.
Leslie Was Gerry Turner’s Runner-Up
Second Best
Gerry didn’t seem interested in Leslie throughout the first half of The Golden Bachelor season 1, but they slowly formed a strong bond as they got to know each other. Gerry seemed to have more in common with the twice-divorced mother of three than he did with Theresa. While Theresa appeared to be a type-A personality, Leslie seemed more similar to Gerry. She shared his fun-loving, laid-back attitude. In the end, Gerry made his choice, and Leslie was devastated.
Leslie Was Rumored To Be In The Running
The Role Went To Another Golden Bachelor Alum
After seeing Joan get her heart ripped out on national television, fans were angry on her behalf. Gerry was blamed for misleading her by telling her she was “the one” before turning around and choosing someone else. Leslie’s vulnerability helped make her a fan favorite, and people felt like they wanted to protect her. They also wanted to see her get a second chance at love.
The Bachelor franchise is known for casting from within. In other words, they often cast their leads from among the rejected contestants of the last series. That’s why, when Gerry sent Leslie home, many fans expected her to get the role. Producers did cast a former contestant as The Golden Bachelorette, as Joan had also appeared alongside Leslie in the cast of The Golden Bachelor season 1.
Leslie Finally Broke Her Silence
Her Shocking Confession
After Leslie was sent home from The Golden Bachelor season 1, there was a lot of speculation about her future with the franchise, which only accelerated after Joan was cast as The Golden Bachelorette. Some people believed Leslie turned down the role, while others believed ABC preferred Joan. Others still wondered if the show’s producers didn’t want to cast Leslie because she was a two-time divorcee while Joan was a widower. By then, Gerry and Theresa’s marriage had already fallen apart, and they didn’t want another divorce on their hands.
For a long time, Leslie stayed quiet about what happened after she left The Golden Bachelor season 1, but she recently broke her silence.
Appearing on the Good Time podcast on YouTube, Leslie finally addressed rumors. She revealed she was not offered the role of The Golden Bachelorette after leaving The Golden Bachelor, nor was she even in talks. It’s shocking to hear Leslie wasn’t being considered, even though she was such a fan favorite. Though Joan did a great job as the spin-off’s first female lead, it’s a shame that Leslie never got her chance. If all goes well, perhaps Leslie will be cast in the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelor In Paradise.
