Who Went Home on Gerry Turner’s First Episode of ‘The Golden Bachelor’?
he Golden Bachelor star Gerry Turner began his search for senior citizen love on Thursday night’s episode one.
The hotly-anticipated ABC premiere was a smash hit, combining love, laughs, and tears in a compact one-hour package.
Gerry, now 72, welcomed 22 intriguing older women from age 60 to 75 to the famed Bachelor mansion in California after donning his suit, tie, and hearing aid.
As usual in Bachelor world, a giddy group of gals emerged from limos eager to meet the hunk. But this time, there were worlds of experiences to be shared!
The distinguished widower described how he became the first Golden Bachelor–to the poignant strains of James Taylor’s classic song “Fire And Rain” about the loss of a friend.
As fans already know, Gerry’s beloved wife Toni suddenly died in 2017 after they’d been together 43 years.
Gerry sobbed as he described how she died of a bacterial infection after they’d planned their dream home in Indiana.
The former restaurant owner went through six years of grieving, but then decided to give reality TV dating a shot.
“I yearn for the second chance in life to fall in love again,” Gerry told the cameras.
What happened when Gerry arrived at the mansion and began his Golden journey? Read on to find out more!
How was Gerry’s mood starting the show?
“I’m feeling a little anxious and nervous,” Gerry admitted to host Jesse Palmer after getting out of his limo. “I’m going to meet the woman of my dreams shortly.”
Who were the first two arrivals?
The parade of ladies began with Edith, 60, who started the party by unleashing gold confetti with Gerry.
Then competitor Ellen, 71, told the cameras that she joined the show at the urging of her best friend Roberta, who has cancer.
Which woman dropped the F bomb?
After she emerged from a limo, Sandra from Atlanta led Gerry in a meditation — featuring the F word!
“I like some of those S words and F words,” Sandra, 75, smiled to cameras.
Who wore a disguise?
Leslie, who is rumored to be a show front runner, arrived with a walker and dressed like a granny. But then the dance choreographer and aerobics teacher threw away her prop and clothes to reveal her real fit body.
“When I was younger, I dated Prince and he wrote [the song] ‘Sexy Dancer’ after me,” Leslie, 64, boasted to the cameras.
Which other women stood out?
Spoilers have revealed Theresa could be one to watch, and she told Gerry it was her birthday that night.
“I thought, why not come in my birthday suit,” Theresa told Gerry, jokingly stripping down to a flesh-colored dress.
She told the cameras her husband had died nine years ago.
April, 64, said in confessional that “aging sucks” and wedding officiant Susan, 66, proclaimed, “Gerry, I’m going to marry you!”
Former Bachelor Matt James’ mom Patty, 70, told Gerry her son had found love.
Faith, 60, who divorced in 2005, arrived on a motorcycle.
Who was a surprise arrival?
Comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s aunt showed up wanting to meet Gerry, but told cameras, “I don’t belong here.”
What happened next?
Gerry praised the “beauty, poise, and intellect” of the gathered women and toasted them with “let the journey begin.”
Faith played a song for Gerry on her guitar during their private time together and then Leslie danced with him again.
Thrilled Gerry told cameras, “It’s working. I feel hopeful. I believe my forever partner is in this house.”
Jesse appeared with the “first impression rose” and said the woman who won would be safe from the first rose ceremony eliminations.
What did Gerry and Teresa do in their private chat?
Theresa showed the Golden Bachelor a funny letter her daughter had written her about being on the show.
She told cameras she felt “butterflies” with Gerry and he gave her a cupcake for her birthday night with a “70th” candle on it.
He took a bite, then kissed Theresa.
She gushed in confessional, “It’s been forever since I kissed a guy.”
Who received the first impression rose?
Gerry gave the rose to Faith, who had serenaded him earlier with her song. “You’re making me feel very special,” he told the radio host, who did a podcast about her later life dating experiences.