The Golden Bachelor has just announced their next leading man, Mel Owens, and audiences wonder if his love story will be any more successful than last season’s. Mel is the second lead to star in the senior-oriented dating competition, with Gerry Turner’s season finale airing in November 2023. Gerry found a connection with several contestants and whittled down his selection to two finalists: Theresa Nist and Leslie Fhima. Despite confessing his love for both women, Gerry ultimately shared a stronger spark with Theresa. He proposed, and the couple were married for a short period before their divorce.
Gerry’s stint on the show didn’t result in lasting love, but Mel might still have a fighting chance on The Golden Bachelor season 2. Mel, a former NFL player for the Los Angeles Rams, seems like a catch. After nine seasons on the team, he turned his attention to law school. Mel completed his law degree and focused his efforts on sports-related injuries. Now, after a 25-year marriage and divorce, Mel is seeking companionship once more. This father of two is ready for the commitment and excited about the journey. Mel may have better luck than Gerry in the competition.
Gerry’s Controversy
Gerry Didn’t Find Love
Gerry and Theresa shared a genuine connection in the dating competition, and the pair were elated with their proposal during the finale. The franchise’s producers offered them a deal they couldn’t refuse: an extravagant, fully-funded wedding with the catch that it would be televised live just a month after their engagement. The pair tied the knot during this two-hour wedding special, and audiences excitedly tuned in to watch the couple commit. Unfortunately, Gerry and Theresa didn’t have the chance to settle into their new relationship.
Gerry and Theresa, as seniors with family and well-established social networks in their hometowns, didn’t want to move. The pair couldn’t compromise on a new home, and this debate lingered over their heads during their 3-month marriage. Their difficulties were not limited to location. Theresa did not divulge the additional worries but told Ben Higgins and Ashley Iaconetti on their podcast, Almost Famous, “You really can’t know somebody in four weeks. I’ll just say that.” While this comment implies some turmoil and differing perspectives, Gerry credits a life-changing diagnosis for their split.
Gerry was devastated by this revelation and wanted to spend his limited time with his family. The star told the magazine that he wanted to continue living life as normal, and this meant, “spending time with my family, my two daughters, my two sons-in-law, my granddaughters.” Gerry then shifted his focus from the marriage to his preexisting relationships. According to TMZ, he has since been dating a local Indiana woman named Lana. It seems that the star found love after all.
Mel Is Ready To Find A Forever Partner
Mel Has Good Intentions
Now that Gerry’s love story has concluded, all eyes are on The Golden Bachelor’s latest addition, Mel. Mel describes his ex-wife as his “first love,” but he’s ready to rediscover his spark. According to ABC’s press release, the down-to-earth and earnest bachelor is looking for a relationship, “rooted in the simple joys of companionship — sharing life’s everyday moments, making plans for the future, and growing stronger together as a couple.” Mel seems genuine in his pursuits and prepared for the journey ahead.
While reality TV often attracts shady alumni looking to find fame from their stint, Mel has little incentive to exploit the system. He had a lengthy career in the NFL and has stayed in the limelight for most of his life. Mel seems to enjoy the simpler life as he’s been a lawyer for nearly 20 years. The former star athlete doesn’t seem solely interested in potential fame. He has every intention of finding his other half.
Mel’s Season May Be More Successful
Mel Is Ready To Find Love
While Gerry intended to find his forever partner, external factors made this task an uphill battle. Gerry’s love story may not be the ideal outcome, but Mel has every trait necessary for a successful season. He’s willing to work towards this goal and remains flexible. Mel’s ready to find “Someone full of life because it’s go time.” The star doesn’t want to wait any longer.
Mel’s season will undoubtedly be a memorable one. Fans of The Golden Bachelor can expect a journey full of sports puns, genuine pursuits, and transparent communication. Mel knows what he wants, he just needs the right environment to find her.
