Golden Bachelorette fans were given an unexpected surprise when they learned that Kelsey Anderson’s dad, Mark, was one of the men vying for Joan Vassos’ heart on the upcoming show, but they also now think he is part of the show for a specific reason.
After the men who competed for Joan’s heart were officially revealed by ABC, fans were immediately impressed. Many said that they were actually “hot,” especially when it was confirmed that one of them was Mark – who fans fell in love with during Kelsey’s hometown date on Joey Graziadei’s season of The Bachelor.
Joan herself has also expressed excitement over his casting on the season, but fans think that there might have been another motive behind his being a part of the show.
Fans did adore Mark on The Bachelor, and many made calls for him to become the next Golden Bachelor after the fact-and now, some feel that is largely why ABC has cast him as a part of Joan’s inaugural season.
Fans revealed why they felt this was the case on Reddit.
“My theory: the real reason Kelsey’s dad is on this season of golden bachelorette is so he can be the next golden bachelor,” one wrote.
“Your theory probably is the plan…I’ve thought of this a TON,” another added. Others admitted they weren’t “opposed” to the idea either.
Of course, fans won’t know if Mark gets the gig until after Joan’s season airs-and they see how far he made it and how much of an impact he had on the season.
Typically, the next lead on the show is a rejected suitor from the previous show’s season–and that held true as Joan was named as the first Golden Bachelorette after she originally competed for Gerry Turner’s affections on the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelor.
While typically the new leads are among suitors that made it further in the competition, Joan landed the role despite an early exit, as she self-eliminated to return home and take care of her daughter, who was suffering from postpartum depression at the time.
Mark also isn’t the first parent of another Bachelor alum to be cast in the Golden franchise.
Patty James, the mother of former Bachelor Matt James, was cast on Gerry’s season as well. However, she was sent home on the first night.
