Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden‘s journey to find love has officially come to an end after Sunday night’s epic finale of The Golden Bachelor. The 61-year-old father-of-three, who lost his wife 14 years ago to cancer, flew halfway across the globe to Cape Town, South Africa, to declare his love for one special lady.
Before making his decision, he enjoyed two spectacular final dates with 61-year-old pilates studio owner Janette Bendle and 58-year-old CEO Sunny Long. Both contestants also came face-to-face with two of Bear’s sons, who grilled them on what they liked most about their dad.
RELATED:
Who won The Golden Bachelor 2025?
In the end, Bear chose to pursue a relationship with Sunny, a mum-of-two from Sydney, and gave her a stunning diamond ring.
“This love is going to last forever,” he said.
Sunny made quite the impression in episode one when she arrived with a golf club in hand and two golden golf balls down the front of her dress, and quickly emerged as a fan favourite thanks to her upbeat personality.
‘Very meaningful’
Sunny told Yahoo Lifestyle ahead of the finale that she had an “incredible” experience on the show and loved getting to know Bear.
“I’m quite vulnerable and I was just truly just being myself throughout the whole journey, because authenticity is the main factor for any relationship,” she said.
“One lady is walking away with the final rose, but I can tell you each one of us walked away with something very meaningful, and the journey is something we’re never gonna forget in life.”
Sunny said she had an ‘incredible’ experience on the show. Photo: Channel 9
The extreme measures Channel 9 went to keep the finale a secret
Before Sunday night’s episode, Daily Mail published images of Janette and Sunny trying to go incognito at Sydney Airport wearing identical hoodies, scarves, face masks, caps, and sunglasses as they travelled for the finale.
Janette told Yahoo Lifestyle that she and Sunny had “no idea” they were flying to South Africa for the finale, and Channel 9 went to great lengths to keep it secret.
“We were in disguise, but I knew we were on an overseas flight, and they got me into immigration and passed me my passport and this boarding pass,” she detailed.
“I was in the queue and I looked down, and I jumped. My whole insides were jumping up and down, and I was out of my mind with excitement.
“On my very first date with Bear, he asked me what was a bucket list item for travel, and I said to go to Africa and do a safari, so it was amazing, and I just wanted to scream from the rooftops.”
Janette said she had ‘no idea’ she was being flown to South Africa. Photo: Channel 9
Will The Golden Bachelor return in 2026?
It’s already been confirmed that The Golden Bachelor will be returning for a second season after a casting call from Warner Bros. was recently posted online.
“Are you in your 50s or 60s and looking for love in your golden years?” the post read.
“Or do you know someone who deserves another shot at their happily ever after?”
SHOP:
“We are looking for Australia’s next Golden Bachelor and many incredible women who are excited to find love again.
“Join us today for an adventure of a lifetime!”
Casting is currently open to residents Australia-wide, with the season expected to air sometime in 2026.
Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.