Meet the bachelorettes: Qld hopefuls reveal partner swap twist on The Bachelors Australia 2023
Three Bachelors, 29 women and a Gold Coast mansion – the Queensland contenders on The Bachelors Australia 2023 reveal what to expect on the revamped reality show.
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The gowns were gone and partner swapping was on the table when The Bachelor came to the Gold Coast.
In a shake-up of the traditional format, the revamped The Bachelors Australia 2023 will see 29 women vie for the hearts of three men – Felix Von Hofe, Thomas Malucelli and Jed McIntosh – at the reality series’ new home on the Gold Coast.
With the cast of women, including nine Queenslanders, announced on Sunday, Brisbane’s Jasmine Absolom, 24, hinted that rather than be assigned a Bachelor, they were encouraged to explore their connections with the other men.
“That (three Bachelors) was definitely a shock,” she said. “You go in there with your person and you are told straight away that you are able to explore and look at other options.”
She said the more realistic representation of the dating world offered more equality for the women.
“It just gives people the ability to have a choice,” Absolom said. “In previous seasons … if you don’t like them, it’s sort of like, too bad. Whereas this season if you don’t like them or something’s not going right, you have other options and you’re able to explore them.”
The cast also didn’t know filming had shifted to the Gold Coast until they arrived to the new mansion, with the women all living together.
“It was a shock but I loved it. I think it gave it a fresh feel. It wasn’t so out of touch, not so over-romanticised or over-glamorised,” Absolom said.
Brisbane’s Eboni Burling, 29, who wanted to put her dating life in someone else’s hands after an “exhausting” year of dating, was happy to see the show ditch the traditional format.
“I loved that it had a twist. It was more like how women dress. There were no gowns or things like that,” she said.
“I had initially met with one of the Bachelors and so with that initial meeting it was nice to just be familiar with one and then get to know the others as you go.”
“For myself being one of the First Nations girls in the house it was pretty important for me to hold myself well and be approachable, show respect and also receive it.”
Asked whether taking part in the reality show was what she expected, Burling replied: “I can’t even articulate that it wasn’t what I was expecting. It hit me like a tonne of bricks. Just the drama that comes with it. Learning a lot about yourself as well, because you have a lot of time to think about everything. I can’t even express what it was like to be living with that many women.”
The Bachelors Australia premieres Monday, January 9 on Channel 10.
MEET THE QUEENSLAND BACHELORETTES
CAITLIN, 25, QUEENSLAND
Bachelor: Jed
Loveable, funny and ambitious, Caitlin loves the gym, being active and is most happy surrounded by her friends and family.
Already enjoying her dream job, she’s looking for her soulmate. Her parents’ advice has been that love is amazing when you find it and when it’s with the right person it isn’t forced, so that’s what she is looking for.
Have you been in love before? Yes, but I look back on that and I definitely wasn’t loved the right way.
Why do you think you’re still single? I’m fairly certain im going for the wrong guys.
Compare your love life up to now, with a romantic comedy — and explain your choice! Love Hard. I haven’t been catfished looks wise, but I’ve definitely been fed utter lies. They just tell you want you want to hear, which makes me fall hard, then when I show interest back, it’s all over! I always fall deep and it just lands me in hot water every single time. Apparently dating is all about the “chase” these days, I refuse to chase anyone!
EBONI, 29, QUEENSLAND
Bachelor: Felix
Positive, selfless and a First Nations woman, Eboni is passionate about encouraging indigenous children to be the best they can be. Simple things make the 29-year-old happy such as the beach, good coffee, spending time with friends and taking her dog for a walk. She believes that life can be tough at times but if the simple things work out, it’s always a good day.
Eboni’s parents taught her that relationships are a rollercoaster, ever evolving and changing and she is ready to go on that ride.
What is your proudest achievement to date? That every time I get knocked down, I always get back up.
Have you been in love before? Yes. The two long term relationships I had, I was in love with them both. They were the guys, I felt safe, secure and loved at the time. Unfortunately, wasn’t meant to be forever.
Why do you think you’re still single? Because I haven’t found the yin to my yang. The guy who balances or complements me in what we both want out of life and a relationship.
JASMINE, 24, QUEENSLAND
Bachelor: Jed
Flirty with a competitive side that sees her love to win, Jasmine is a strong believer that everyone should be treated the same no matter who they are.
Always standing up for what she believes in, the sporty, driven and always late 24-year-old is an avid netball player and loves space facts. Jasmine is looking for someone to travel the world with.
Why did you apply for the show? I wanted to challenge myself to open myself up to love again. Over the past two years, I really learned that the only person that I can rely on is myself, which led me to put some serious walls up when it came to love. I want to see if I can bring those walls down.
What are your relationship deal breakers? Somebody who is extremely judgmental, fussy, rude, insensitive to others, and isn’t able to put themselves in the other persons shoes.
Is this your first brush with fame? My dad submitted me into a magazine when I was 12 for catching the biggest fish, I won and got into the magazine. His proudest dad moment I think!
AYLIN, 25, QUEENSLAND
Bachelor: Thomas
Unlucky in love, Aylin is sick of the dating world leading to disappointment and is hoping to finally fall in love.
Honest and kind, the 25-year-old is looking for someone with a personality that just clicks with hers.
She believes the universe often works its magic on situations and with words of affirmation being her love language, on meeting the Bachelor she hopes to do something memorable and might spice things up by giving him a compliment in Turkish.
Why did you apply for the show? I applied for the show because I have been very unlucky in love, I always wanted to meet the perfect guy for me however I never stumbled across the right person. I’ve met so many guys who have never been ready to settle down or has value in commitment. I’ve never felt that spark before and had the opportunity to explore that and when I did fancy someone it was never reciprocated. So, after my past experience, I am more than ready to find love and hopefully meet the one and I think this show was a great opportunity for that.
Describe your ideal partner – attitude, personality, looks. I want a guy version of me when it comes to personality, someone kind, genuine, confident, energetic, funny, and has a goofy and carefree side. Someone very positive, I have an uplifting and positive attitude and I would love someone the same. I am not fussy on looks, I just care for a great smile, fit and someone tall as I am tall myself.
JESSICA, 25, QUEENSLAND
Bachelor: Felix
Single dog-Mum Jess describes herself as quirky, curious, down to earth with an open mind.
Wanting to ensure she lives a fulfilled life, the 25-year-old is passionate about human connection and all things personal development. Jessica is searching for meaning in a relationship and is hoping to be challenged by her partner, she doesn’t want an “ordinary” life.
Why did you apply for the show? Hopefully to find someone who I can form a connection with and consider building a life with both inside and outside of the show.
What is your proudest achievement to date? Auditioning for the ensemble for Strictly Ballroom The Musical at my local theatre and being asked to play the lead character instead. Getting out of my comfort zone was a massive growth opportunity and the experience was so much fun.
Describe your dream date. Coffee and walk by the beach, followed by a relaxing couples massage/day spa experience.
KIRSTEN (KIKI), 38, QUEENSLAND
Bachelor: Thomas
Calm and collected, Kiki describes her passions as nature, equality, love and Jason Mamoa.
The 38-year-old enjoys playing the guitar, painting and sculpting. She’s known to put people in their place if needed, but in a nice way, with a smile.
Kiki’s looking to find her true person, someone who loves and respects her for who she is.
Why do you think you’re still single? I value myself and my needs more and so I am much more considered in who I spend my energy on…who I let into my life.
Compare your love life up to now, with a romantic comedy — and explain your choice! The Holiday. I’ve definitely been a Kate Winslet, always putting my partner first.
Arthur: “Iris in the movies we have leading ladies and the best friend. You, I can tell are a leading lady but for some reason you’re behaving like the best friend.”
Iris: “You’re so right. You’re supposed to be the leading lady of your own life.”
I’m the leading lady of my life these days.
Describe your ideal partner – attitude, personality, looks. Kind, open, honest, fun, intelligent, love a sexy back, kind eyes and knows how to be “with” a woman.
KRYSTAL, 26, QUEENSLAND
Bachelor: Felix
Full of life and confidence, Krystal loves travelling, eating good food and living her best life every single day.
Never a dull moment in the life of Krystal, the 26-year-old enjoys causing mischief, fancy restaurants, travelling and going to festivals.
Free spirited with a kind heart, Krystal describes how she behaves when she fancies someone like “a lion with prey, I see it, I want it, I get it.”
Describe yourself in five words. I would describe myself as vibrant, chaotic, confident, charismatic and cheeky.
Why do you think you’re still single? I think I’m single because I’m independent and most guys are intimidated by my confidence and fun. I also think it’s because I refuse to settle for anything less than I deserve. I just think I’ve enjoyed single life so much that I’m used to the lifestyle and almost fear what it’s like to be vulnerable. I’m definitely a “no feelings” kinda girl as I’m scared of getting hurt, but I have to try at some point, right?
Compare your love life up to now, with a romantic comedy — and explain your choice! My life has probably been most like Eat, Pray, Love. Full of travel and wild experiences while trying to figure out what on earth I’m actually doing. Once again, colourful chaos.
LAUREN, 28, QUEENSLAND
Bachelor: Thomas
Confident and sporty, Lauren loves exploring the outdoors and enjoys reaching fitness goals, running her business and meeting new people.
Lauren knows the right questions to ask when she wants to find something out. At 28 years old she is looking for love and really hopes to find the one.
Why did you apply for the show? I applied for the show as I run a business and am too busy to date. Taking time out of work will allow me to venture into dating.
Why do you think you’re still single? Relationship deal breakers would be if they didn’t look after their space/environment or their mental and physical health. Also, I like a more masculine energy as I am a feminine energy. I’m spiritual and go off energy and vibes
Describe your ideal partner – attitude, personality, looks. Ideal partner – masculine energy without ego. Healthy happy energetic full of life and love, being open. Looks don’t mean the biggest deal to me, I find someone more and more attractive with their morals, how they hold themselves how they speak to others and how they think.
A healthy, smart mentality is the more attractive to me.
MARNIE, 28, QUEENSLAND
Bachelor: Thomas
Energetic, compassionate, fit single Mum of two little ladies, Marnie is always striving to be her best.
Her friends call her Bogan Barbie and after giving toxic people a million chances in the past, dishonesty and arrogance fires her up.
The 28-year-old is looking for her person, someone kind-hearted that would be her best friend and could step up to be a great stepdad for her daughters.
Why did you apply for the show? I just wanted to throw myself into a different way of finding love. I’ve tried the dating apps, I’ve tried meeting people organically and nothing seems to be working. I want someone I can bring into mine and my daughters lives, and for them to fit right in and have an amazing life together.
Have you been in love before? Yes, deeply. It was the “too good to be true” love. We fell quite quickly for each other and were living with each other after two months!
Describe your ideal partner – attitude, personality, looks. Taller than me, but that’s not hard, muscular (or just someone who loves the gym/staying fit), funny, always down for adventure, someone who’s open to the fact that I have daughters, big smile.
Originally published as Meet the bachelorettes: Qld hopefuls reveal partner swap twist on The Bachelors Australia 2023
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