The Golden Bachelor, a revolutionary new franchise in the Bachelor Nation universe, is quickly coming to an end after a blockbuster first season. At 72, Bachelor Gerry Turner has been looking for love again after losing his wife Toni in 2017, and it’s nearly impossible not to want to know if his quest is successful. Especially since there are just two women left in the running ahead of the finale episode on Nov. 30.
Naturally, people have wanted to learn everything about the two women, Leslie and Theresa, who may or may not end the season with a ring on their finger (don’t worry, Women’s Health has the full spoilers on who *actually* wins below).
ICYMI, Leslie Fhima made quite a stir this season after making one of the most iconic entrances of all time. Hint: It involved a granny costume and black lacy lingerie. She then went on to give Gerry a lap dance during a talent show, woo him on a one-on-one, and just generally give off total queen energy.
So, who is Leslie Fhima and how far does she get with the Golden Bachelor star Gerry Turner this season? Reality Steve has already helped fans out in the spoilers department, and he has a finger on the pulse of what happens down the road. Here’s what you need to know about Leslie on this debut season of The Golden Bachelor.
Where is Leslie from?
Leslie is from Minneapolis, Minnesota, according to her Golden Bachelor bio. Gerry is from Indiana which isn’t exactly next door, but they’re not, like, on opposite coasts. And both states are in the midwest, so maybe that’s something these two can bond over during the new season.
How far does Leslie get on The Golden Bachelor?
Leslie makes it to the final two before getting eliminated during the final rose ceremony, according to Reality Steve. Gerry gives the final rose to Theresa, leaving Leslie empty-handed.
That said, if the network decides to launch a Golden Bachelorette, Leslie could have a good shot at clinching the inaugural role. Often, the first runner-up in Bachelor Nation gets to star as the future star in an upcoming season.
Did Leslie actually date Prince?
Apparently, she did! Leslie claims (very casually) during her intro with Gerry that she dated Prince, and that he even wrote a song about her. Her son, Eli, confirmed this info in an interview with the StarTribune.
He said she dated the singer in her teens and early 20s, before breaking up with him to tour with the Ice Follies, a figure skating group.
“Not only did she date Prince,” Eli said, “but she broke up with Prince.”
What does she do for work?
Leslie has been a personal trainer for over two decades, and is also a former professional figure skater. Her bio says that she “is passionate about helping others live their best lives.”
Speaking of which…Leslie has run 10 marathons (not a typo) and is “looking for her running buddy for life.” Are you ready, Gerry? This woman means business!
Leslie also owns a bar company for dogs called PowerBark, which she launched about 14 years ago. “As a personal trainer, I’d often take my dog Sadie with me all day. She would miss her meals until we got home later,” Leslie wrote on LinkedIn. “I was eating a protein bar one day when I thought ‘why can’t there be something like this for dogs!’ I decided to forge ahead and develop PowerBark.”
Plus, when she’s not working (or working out), it looks like Leslie is super into dancing. She posts a lot of professional-looking dance photos on her Instagram. Case in point:
So, if you were keeping track, Leslie is a fitness guru, a professional athlete, and an entrepreneur. I’m not sure there’s anything she *can’t* do.
Also worth noting: Her ex-husband, David Fhima, was a big name in the food industry, and her son, Eli, has now taken over as director of operations for his dad’s restaurants.
How old is Leslie?
Leslie is 64 years old, making her nearly a decade younger than Gerry.
Does Leslie have any children?
Yes! Leslie has three adult children, per her bio. She’s also a “glama” to three grandkids and, it’s worth noting, she has a fur baby—a mini Aussiedoodle named Billie. It should come as no surprise that Leslie is into things like family 5ks, and other fun athletic endeavors.
“We swim together in the summer, we have dance parties,” Leslie told the StarTribune in 2020. Sign me up for Grandma Leslie Day Camp!
In fact, her kids also played a role in her Golden Bach application. Eli told the StarTribune that he and his mom used to watch The Bachelor together when he was in middle school, so when the casting call went out for the older version of the show, she was game!
Of course, during Hometowns, Gerry got to meet her family, and I think it’s safe to say everyone got along quite swimmingly.
