The 10th season of “The Bachelor Australia” has a new home after a deal with the Queensland Government and Screen Queensland.
The previous nine seasons were filmed in New South Wales.
Queensland’s premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, was roundly praised at last week’s Screen Producers Australia Screen Forever conference for her dedication to the sector and drive to bring more productions to the sunshine state. This latest deal was announced Saturday.
In light of the latest announcement, which will see the production filmed on the Gold Coast, Palaszczuk said “The Bachelor Australia” would create jobs for Queenslanders, support local businesses and inspire interstate and international viewers to book a romantic getaway in the state.
“”The Bachelor” and the Gold Coast is a perfect match,” she said.
“Production of this reality TV series will create around 80 local jobs and contribute an estimated $4.1 million into the Queensland economy, with flow-on benefits for our hospitality and tourism sectors.
“And fans of “The Bachelor” will not be disappointed by next season’s single and group dates, which will showcase the most idyllic Queensland destinations – from white sand beaches, to lush national parks, local wineries and intimate fine dining.
“We gladly accept the rose to host “The Bachelor” in Queensland.”
Screen Queensland’s CEO, Kylie Munnich, noted that another Channel 10 production “Australian Survivor” had recently switched to Queensland, making this deal “repeat business” for the state.
“Leading on from these successful projects, we were able to demonstrate to Warner Bros. International Television and again to Channel 10 that Queensland is the perfect destination for reality formats,” she said.
“The local screen industry is on a high from the Screen Forever conference, which wrapped this Wednesday on the Gold Coast, so it’s certainly a great way to end the week announcing yet another production for the region.”
Warner Bros. International Television’s Michael Brooks said the company was glad tp be back in the sunshine state.
“We are excited to continue our long and successful relationship with Screen Queensland and I can’t think of a more perfect backdrop for our iconic Bachelor franchise,” he said.
“Our beautiful new surroundings on the Gold Coast are one of many new creative changes in what wull be a very bold, daring and exciting 10th season of “The Bachelor Australia”.”
“The Bachelor Australia” is produced by Warner Bros. Australia for Paramount’s Australian TV operation, Network 10.
Daniel Monaghan, senior VP of content and programming for Paramount Australia and New Zealand, said the network is thrilled to bring “The Bachelor Australia” to Queensland.
“The sunny beaches and vibrant lifestyle of the Gold Coast are the perfect setting for love and romance, and we are sure it will get hearts racing. We can’t wait to get started.”
“The Bachelor Australia’s” ratings have been in decline in recent years, however the show has been attempting to diversify its casting and storytelling.
Last year’s Bachelorette was Brooke Blurton, billed as the first bisexual woman to front the program. It was also a milestone with Blurton being the first First Nations woman to helm the dating show.